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

Should you visit Detroit or Pasadena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit 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: Detroit or Pasadena?

Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.

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 place is cheaper, Pasadena or Detroit?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Detroit is $133, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $62. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Detroit and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Detroit $64
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Detroit $128
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Detroit and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Detroit 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 Detroit


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: Detroit Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Detroit $37
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Detroit - Wayne County Airport One Way Transfer : $80
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $100
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $131
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $143
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $143
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $189

Is it cheaper to fly into Detroit or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Detroit 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
    Detroit $44
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

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.
    Detroit $21
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Detroit

For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $6.64
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $11
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket: $23
  • Detroit Pistons Basketball Game Ticket at Little Caesars Arena: $24

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

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

  • LA: East Side Guided Film Locations Tour: $350
  • Old Pasadena Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Detroit $20
    Pasadena -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Pasadena, we can see that Detroit 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 Detroit would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Detroit 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 Detroit Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Detroit or Pasadena?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit or Pasadena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Detroit or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Detroit is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Detroit 74°F (24°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Detroit is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Detroit 54°F (12°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Detroit is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Detroit or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Pasadena. The spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Detroit is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Detroit 49°F (9°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Detroit

Detroit Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)