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

Should you visit Lancaster or Pasadena?

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

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

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lancaster or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pasadena than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pasadena is very popular for its food and nightlife, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Lancaster is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its history and long running Amish community. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also well known for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Lancaster different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster
Pasadena

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Pasadena and Lancaster.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pasadena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Lancaster or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Pasadena

Pasadena is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Pasadena has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Pasadena?

Lancaster
Pasadena

If you're looking to go shopping, Lancaster and Pasadena both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Pasadena is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.


Is Lancaster or Pasadena Better for Families?

Lancaster
Pasadena

Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Pasadena is a family-friendly town. 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 Lancaster or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Pasadena

Lancaster is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Lancaster
Pasadena

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.


Is Lancaster or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Pasadena

Pasadena is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Pasadena?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Lancaster or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Lancaster or Pasadena?

The beautiful town of Lancaster 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pasadena. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Pasadena?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Pasadena. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Lancaster or Pasadena?

Lancaster 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Pasadena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Pasadena?

Lancaster 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 town offers something for everyone.

Pasadena is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Lancaster?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $183, 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 Lancaster and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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 Lancaster


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    Pasadena $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Lancaster or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $53
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

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

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
  • Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
  • Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
  • Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $25
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Lancaster County: Amish Farmlands, Museum Tour, Farm Visit: $36
  • Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57

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
    Lancaster $11
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
  • Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79


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


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Pasadena?

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Lancaster during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Pasadena. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lancaster is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Pasadena. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can be very cold during winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Lancaster or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.

Lancaster is cooler than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Lancaster

Lancaster Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)