A Travel Price Comparison for California Berkeley vs. Pasadena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Where Should I go: Berkeley or Pasadena?

Berkeley

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").

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 Berkeley?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Berkeley is $152, 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 Berkeley and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berkeley $105
    Pasadena $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berkeley $210
    Pasadena $40
Compare Hotels in Berkeley and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Berkeley 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berkeley $24
    Pasadena $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Berkeley or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $29
    Pasadena $15
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.

  • Learn to Make New Orleans-Style Gumbo in a Private Berkeley Cooking Class: $66
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $110

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.
    Berkeley $24
    Pasadena -

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
    Berkeley $10
    Pasadena -

About these numbers

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.


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.


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Berkeley is cooler than Pasadena in the summer. The temperature in Berkeley is usually 63°F (17°C) in July, and Pasadena stays 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.


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

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Berkeley during the autumn are popular places to visit.


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In the autumn, Berkeley is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berkeley in October are around 63°F (17°C), and Pasadena is 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berkeley and Pasadena.


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In January, Berkeley is generally cooler than Pasadena. Temperatures in Berkeley average around 50°F (10°C), and Pasadena stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Berkeley or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berkeley as well as Pasadena.


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Berkeley is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The temperature in Berkeley is usually 58°F (14°C) in April, and Pasadena stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Berkeley

Berkeley Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)


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Berkeley vs. Pasadena Travel Comparison

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