A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Berkeley for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Berkeley, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and bustling coastal city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife and beaches.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a progressive, diverse, and quirky city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Virginia Beach and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berkeley than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berkeley is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is known for its resorts and beaches. Berkeley is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also home to University of California Botanical Garden. Virginia Beach is popular for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Berkeley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Berkeley for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Virginia Beach has a few great resort options. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Virginia Beach is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Berkeley is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Berkeley is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Virginia Beach and Berkeley are both good to visit as a couple.

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Berkeley is a good coastal city for couples to visit. 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 Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many 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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Berkeley is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.


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

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Berkeley is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Virginia Beach and Berkeley. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Berkeley. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Berkeley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

The coastal city of Virginia Beach offers nightlife. 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 museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Virginia Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Berkeley is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berkeley. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Berkeley. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, 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 Virginia Beach and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Berkeley $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232
  • 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 Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Berkeley $36

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: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Ziplining and Climbing at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium: $59
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Wetland Zip Tour: $65
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach: $75
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach: $75

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: $27
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $65
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Scenic Sausalito Kayak Tour: Beginners Welcome : $85
  • 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
    Virginia Beach $11
    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 Virginia Beach and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. And not only is Virginia Beach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Virginia Beach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.

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


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Berkeley?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach or Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley and Virginia Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Virginia Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In the summer, Virginia Beach is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Virginia Beach in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Virginia Beach gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Virginia Beach 79°F (26°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Berkeley in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Virginia Beach and Berkeley. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Virginia Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berkeley for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Virginia Beach is generally around the same temperature as Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Virginia Beach average around 62°F (16°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In October, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Virginia Beach gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Virginia Beach 62°F (16°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Virginia Beach as well as Berkeley. Many travelers come to Virginia Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Berkeley in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is much colder than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Virginia Beach averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Virginia Beach usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Virginia Beach gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Virginia Beach 39°F (4°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Virginia Beach or Berkeley in the Spring?

Both Berkeley and Virginia Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Virginia Beach in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Berkeley for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Virginia Beach is around the same temperature as Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Virginia Beach in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Virginia Beach usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Virginia Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Virginia Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)