A Travel Price Comparison for California Berkeley vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Berkeley or Pasadena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berkeley 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Berkeley and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berkeley or Pasadena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berkeley than Pasadena. While Pasadena is larger than Berkeley, Berkeley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berkeley is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. It is also well known for University of California Botanical Garden. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Berkeley different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Berkeley or Pasadena.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pasadena. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Berkeley and Pasadena.

Dining out in Berkeley is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Pasadena. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Berkeley and Pasadena.

Berkeley has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Berkeley or Pasadena?

Both Berkeley and Pasadena are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Berkeley. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena Better for Families?

Berkeley and Pasadena are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Berkeley is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Berkeley and Pasadena are both nice to visit as a couple.

Berkeley is a good 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berkeley is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berkeley is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena Better for Students?

Berkeley is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Berkeley. 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.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Berkeley is top-notch. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Berkeley or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Berkeley is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Berkeley?

How long in Berkeley or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berkeley and Pasadena. In our opinion, Berkeley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Berkeley than Pasadena. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Berkeley, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berkeley than Pasadena 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.

One day in Berkeley or Pasadena?

The city of Berkeley offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Berkeley or Pasadena?

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

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

Five days in Berkeley or Pasadena?

Berkeley is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pasadena is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Berkeley or Pasadena?

Berkeley is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berkeley and Pasadena, we can see that Berkeley 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 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 Pasadena.

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

Which is Bigger, Berkeley or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Berkeley and Pasadena, 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Berkeley are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Berkeley for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Berkeley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berkeley in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Berkeley is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Berkeley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Berkeley is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Berkeley usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Berkeley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Pasadena. The spring months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the natural beauty.

Berkeley is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Berkeley averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Berkeley usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Berkeley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Berkeley