A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Pasadena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Austin or Pasadena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Pasadena, 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.

Where Should I go: Austin or Pasadena?

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Pasadena

Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.

Which city is cheaper, Pasadena or Austin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $114, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $50. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $45
    Pasadena $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $90
    Pasadena $40
Compare Hotels in Austin and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Pasadena? 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 Austin


Hotels in Pasadena


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: Austin Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $38
    Pasadena $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Austin 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
    Austin $28
    Pasadena $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Typical Food prices in Pasadena

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


  • Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $22
    Pasadena -
Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $20
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Spy Adventure: Operation Mindfall: $25
  • Spy Adventure at the Domain in Austin: $25
  • Operation Mindfall, A Spy Adventure in Austin: $25
  • Austin Street Art Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $26
  • Downtown Austin Photo Tour: $26
  • Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

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

  • Private Self-Guided Tour of Pasadena in Los Angeles: $19
  • Private Christmas Tour with Christmas Afternoon Tea Ceremony in Old Pasadena: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $23
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Pasadena, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Pasadena.


When is the best time to visit Austin or Pasadena?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Austin or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Pasadena. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Pasadena stays around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Austin or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Austin is a little warmer than Pasadena in the autumn. The temperature in Austin is usually 73°F (23°C) in October, and Pasadena stays around 68°F (20°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Austin or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Austin is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January are around 51°F (11°C), and Pasadena is about 56°F (13°C).

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Austin or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Austin is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Pasadena stays around 62°F (17°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Austin

Austin Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Austin
Washington vs. Pasadena
Clearwater vs. Austin
Clearwater vs. Pasadena
Fort Lauderdale vs. Austin
Fort Lauderdale vs. Pasadena
Gainesville vs. Austin
Gainesville vs. Pasadena
Jacksonville vs. Austin
Jacksonville vs. Pasadena
Miami vs. Austin
Miami vs. Pasadena
Orlando vs. Austin
Orlando vs. Pasadena
Saint Petersburg vs. Austin
Saint Petersburg vs. Pasadena
Tallahassee vs. Austin
Tallahassee vs. Pasadena
Tampa vs. Austin
Tampa vs. Pasadena
Atlanta vs. Austin
Atlanta vs. Pasadena
Savannah vs. Austin
Savannah vs. Pasadena
New Orleans vs. Austin
New Orleans vs. Pasadena
Baltimore vs. Austin
Baltimore vs. Pasadena
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Austin vs. Pasadena Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.