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

Should you visit Milwaukee or Pasadena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milwaukee and Pasadena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a undiscovered, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Milwaukee and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pasadena than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Pasadena, Pasadena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milwaukee is popular for its many breweries and its baseball culture. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Milwaukee different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Pasadena has a huge number of terrific 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Milwaukee or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Pasadena is well-known for its shopping. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.


Is Milwaukee or Pasadena Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Both Milwaukee and Pasadena are good to visit with kids.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pasadena. 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Pasadena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Pasadena Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

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

Milwaukee is a good city to visit for students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Pasadena is not popular with students.


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

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Pasadena is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Milwaukee or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Pasadena

Milwaukee and Pasadena are good when it comes to walkability.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milwaukee and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pasadena than in Milwaukee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pasadena than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Milwaukee or Pasadena?

The city of Milwaukee offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Milwaukee 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 picturesque 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Milwaukee 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.

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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Milwaukee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $176, 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 Milwaukee and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Milwaukee - General Mitchell Airport One Way Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

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

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $98
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

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.
    Milwaukee $26
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Skip the Line: North Point Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $8.21
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $11
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $20
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Game Ticket at Fiserv Forum: $31

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
    Milwaukee $33
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Pasadena?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milwaukee as well as Pasadena. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milwaukee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.

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

Milwaukee usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Milwaukee gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Milwaukee or Pasadena in the Autumn?

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

In October, Milwaukee is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Milwaukee average around 53°F (12°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Milwaukee gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Milwaukee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milwaukee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milwaukee can get quite cold in the winter. Milwaukee is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Milwaukee averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Milwaukee usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Milwaukee gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milwaukee 21°F (-6°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Milwaukee or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milwaukee and Pasadena.

In the spring, Milwaukee is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Milwaukee in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Milwaukee usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Milwaukee gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Milwaukee

Milwaukee Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)