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

Should you visit Minneapolis or Pasadena?

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

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

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a diverse, dynamic, and innovative city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Minneapolis and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • 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 Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Pasadena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Minneapolis is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Pasadena is known for its food. Minneapolis is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also home to Mall of America. Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Minneapolis different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Minneapolis and Pasadena.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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 Minneapolis or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Pasadena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Minneapolis or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Pasadena.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Pasadena is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Minneapolis is a world class destination for shoppers. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.


Is Minneapolis or Pasadena Better for Families?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Minneapolis and Pasadena are both good to visit as a couple.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

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 Minneapolis or Pasadena Better for Students?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Pasadena is not popular with students.


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

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Visitors will find good public transit in both Minneapolis and Pasadena.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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.

Is Minneapolis or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Minneapolis
Pasadena

Minneapolis and Pasadena are good when it comes to walkability.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable place. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Minneapolis and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Minneapolis than in Pasadena. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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


  • How many days in Minneapolis or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Minneapolis 2-4 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

The city of Minneapolis 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Pasadena. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Pasadena. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

The quaint city of Pasadena offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Minneapolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minneapolis is $206, 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 Minneapolis and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minneapolis $110
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minneapolis $220
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Minneapolis and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis


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: Minneapolis Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minneapolis $43
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into Minneapolis or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

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.
    Minneapolis $27
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Minneapolis by Wacky Walks: $10
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $16
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

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
    Minneapolis $24
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Pasadena?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Pasadena. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minneapolis in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pasadena in the Autumn?

Both Pasadena and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Pasadena for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Minneapolis is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 52°F (11°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Minneapolis is much colder than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 15°F (-10°C) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Pasadena. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Minneapolis or Pasadena in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Minneapolis is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minneapolis in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, Minneapolis usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Minneapolis

Minneapolis Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)