Berkeley is a progressive city known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Berkeley and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Berkeley?
You should plan to spend around $217 per day on your vacation in Berkeley. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $63 on meals
- $30 on local transportation
- $263 on hotels
A one week trip to Berkeley for two people costs, on average, $3,038. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,519
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2 Weeks
Per person
$3,038
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One Month
Per person
$6,510
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One Week
For a couple
$3,038
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,076
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One Month
For a couple
$13,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Berkeley cost?
A one week trip to Berkeley usually costs around $1,519 for one person and $3,038 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Berkeley on average costs around $3,038 for one person and $6,076 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Berkeley will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Berkeley on average costs around $6,510 for one person and $13,020 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Berkeley expensive to visit?
Berkeley is a well-liked city that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Berkeley can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $90 per day, mid-range travelers spend $217 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $493 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Berkeley.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Berkeley is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Myrtle Beach or Fort Lauderdale.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Berkeley Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Berkeley?
The average Berkeley trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Berkeley travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Berkeley cost?
Berkeley on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$52
|
$131
|
$327
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
|
$30
|
$57
|
Food 2
|
$27
|
$63
|
$123
|
Entertainment 1
|
$13
|
$30
|
$57
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
|
$6-19
|
$12-37
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Berkeley, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Berkeley on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $90 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
The city also offers superb public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxis and Ubers. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Berkeley, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Visitors to Berkeley typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $217 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Berkeley is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel Shattuck Plaza is a solid choice for families, while Berkeley City Club Hotel also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Berkeley here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $493 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Berkeley
Berkeley has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $193 in the off-season and averages $360 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $127 to $743. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Berkeley for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $263. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $131 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Berkeley? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Berkeley include:
- Hotel Shattuck Plaza starting at $189
The great public transit system in Berkeley gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Berkeley, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
Transportation Budget in Berkeley
Berkeley is known for its efficient public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations. Save time and money by using public transportation, with taxis and rideshares available if you need them.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.
Public Transit: (excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $30 per person, per day, on local transportation in Berkeley. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Berkeley is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$30
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel for $200 details
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer for $63 details
- Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $87 details
How much does it cost to go to Berkeley? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Berkeley will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Berkeley
You'll find that the food in Berkeley is wonderful. Be sure to spend time enjoying all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Berkeley can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Berkeley is $63 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$63
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Berkeley is around $63 ($63) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $123. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Berkeley are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Restaurants in Berkeley are diverse and international. Prices vary dramatically, with many budget options catering to the student population while high end restaurants cater more to the older, working population. Food at most is generally high quality.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Berkeley, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Best of North Berkeley Food Tour for $130 details
- Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland for $150 details
Food and meal prices in Berkeley, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Berkeley
The allure of Berkeley is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Berkeley typically cost an average of $30 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$30
Berkeley sits across the bay from San Francisco, north of the Oakland metro area. The views from campus and other points around town look out over the bay to San Francisco. On a clear day, one can see the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the hills of Marin and Sausalito. You can easily reach Berkeley from the city of San Francisco on the Bay Area's Regional Transit System, known as BART. The trains run daily, but have a reduced schedule on weekends and in the evenings.
Life in Berkeley today offers remnants of street life culture, a growing Asian student community, a shrinking low income area and a large amount of "yuppies". The affluent and aging Berkeley Hills neighborhoods look down quite literally and figuratively on the more student and youth oriented "city of Berkeley", the smaller downtown core. Berkeley is extremely complex for a city of its size, 100,000 people.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Berkeley specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. 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.
Shopping:
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Berkeley. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide for $59 details
- Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour for $120 details
- Historic Houseboat Tour for $65 details
Nightlife Budget in Berkeley
Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Berkeley is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Berkeley per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Berkeley. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière for $175 details
- Enchanted Full Day Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from Oakland for $285 details
- Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière for $175 details
Traveling in Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").
Like the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley has a mild climate, with wet, mild winters and dry summers. Because of its position on the bay Berkeley gets a decent amount of fog, with mornings typically cool and foggy, followed by sunny afternoons, with the fog returning at night.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.