Which city is cheaper, Pasadena or Columbia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Pasadena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Columbia or Pasadena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Columbia or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Columbia or Pasadena?
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColumbia $0.00Pasadena $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, 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 Columbia and Pasadena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColumbia -Pasadena $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColumbia $0.00Pasadena $40
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Pasadena
Looking for a hotel in Columbia 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.
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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Columbia -Pasadena $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Pasadena?
Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Columbia 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
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Food Meals for one dayColumbia $4.02Pasadena $15
Typical Food prices in Pasadena
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:
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Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Columbia -Pasadena -
Tours and Activities in Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20
- Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
- Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
- Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
- Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
- Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColumbia $70Pasadena -
Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia
Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Pasadena, we can see that Pasadena is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Pasadena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pasadena than you might in Columbia.
When is the best time to visit Columbia 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 Columbia or Pasadena in the Summer?
Both Pasadena and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July are around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena is about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyColumbia 82°F (28°C)Pasadena 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Columbia or Pasadena in the Autumn?
Both Pasadena and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Columbia is generally cooler than Pasadena. Temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Pasadena stays around 68°F (20°C).
Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColumbia 64°F (18°C)Pasadena 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Columbia or Pasadena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Pasadena.
Columbia is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The temperature in Columbia is usually 45°F (7°C) in January, and Pasadena stays around 56°F (13°C).
In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColumbia 45°F (7°C)Pasadena 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Columbia or Pasadena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Pasadena.
In the spring, Columbia is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April are around 64°F (18°C), and Pasadena is about 62°F (17°C).
Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilColumbia 64°F (18°C)Pasadena 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Pasadena and Columbia
| Columbia | Pasadena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Feb | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Mar | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 59°F (15°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Apr | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.6 inches (42 mm) |
| Dec | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
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