A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Pasadena for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Houston or Pasadena?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Pasadena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Pasadena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Pasadena is known for its food and shopping. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Houston different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Houston and Pasadena.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Houston or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Houston or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Houston and Pasadena.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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 Houston or Pasadena Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Pasadena?

Pasadena is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Pasadena Better for Families?

Houston is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Houston and Pasadena both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Pasadena is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Houston or Pasadena Better for Students?

Houston is a good destination for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Houston is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Houston or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Houston?

How long in Houston or Pasadena?

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

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Pasadena?

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Pasadena, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Pasadena?

Houston 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 Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pasadena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Pasadena?

Houston 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Pasadena?

Houston 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Pasadena?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Pasadena. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

In October, Houston is generally around the same temperature as Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Houston is cooler than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Houston is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Houston