A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Newport vs. Berkeley for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Newport or Berkeley?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newport and Berkeley can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newport and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Newport or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newport. Although Newport and Berkeley are popular destinations, Newport has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newport is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its nightlife. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also well known for Thames Street. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Newport different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berkeley and Newport. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newport or Berkeley?

Newport
Berkeley

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Berkeley and Newport.

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Berkeley can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.


Is the Food Better in Newport or Berkeley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport
Berkeley

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newport and Berkeley.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Berkeley makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Newport
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Newport
Berkeley

Newport is notable for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.


Is Newport or Berkeley Better for its Old Town?

Newport
Berkeley

Newport is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newport to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newport or Berkeley?

Newport
Berkeley

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newport and Berkeley.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Berkeley is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Families?

Newport
Berkeley

Newport is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Newport is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Berkeley is a family-friendly town. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Newport
Berkeley

Newport is renowned for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newport
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Students?

Newport
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Newport is not popular with students.


Is Newport or Berkeley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newport
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berkeley can take you anywhere. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

You'll find some public transit in Newport, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Newport or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Newport
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

For even more information, also check out Is Newport Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Newport?

How long in Newport or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newport and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than in Berkeley. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Newport, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

Families should spend more time in Newport than Berkeley. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Newport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Newport than Berkeley. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Newport that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Newport if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Berkeley.


  • How many days in Newport or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newport 2-5 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Newport or Berkeley?

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Berkeley, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Newport or Berkeley?

Newport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Berkeley, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berkeley has to offer.

Five days in Newport or Berkeley?

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Newport or Berkeley?

Newport is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Newport?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Newport is $159, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Newport and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newport $92
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newport $184
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Newport and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Newport or Berkeley? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Newport


Hotels in Berkeley


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Newport Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newport $36
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newport

Also for Newport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence Airport (PVD): $49
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Providence city Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Newport Port to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) : $88
  • Private Transfer from Newport Cruise Port to Boston city hotels: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Newport or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Newport change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Newport $45
    Berkeley $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newport

For Newport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Newport Neighborhood Food Tour: $89

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newport $17
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Newport

For Newport, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Historic Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Newport Downtown Historic Audio APP Self Guided Smart Phone Tour: $6.75
  • Newport Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport's Cliff Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Cliff Walk Gilded Age Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
  • Newport Cliff Walk - Legends of the Gilded Age GPS Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Discover Newport's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newport $14
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newport and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Berkeley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berkeley than you might in Newport.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newport Expensive? and Is Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newport or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Newport and Berkeley, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Newport or Berkeley?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Newport or Berkeley in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newport as well as Berkeley. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences.

Newport is a little warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Newport usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Newport gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newport 73°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Newport or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley and Newport are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newport is cooler than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newport in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In October, Newport usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Newport gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newport 53°F (12°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Newport or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley and Newport during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Newport is generally much colder than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Newport average around 28°F (-2°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Newport usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Newport gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newport 28°F (-2°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Newport or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newport and Berkeley. Most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

Newport is much colder than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Newport averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Newport usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Newport gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newport 48°F (9°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Newport

Newport Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)