A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New Orleans vs. Pasadena for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant, energetic, and fun-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, nightlife, and live music.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

New Orleans and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Orleans or Pasadena?

You'll generally find more things to do in New Orleans than Pasadena. New Orleans is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. New Orleans is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums and shopping. New Orleans is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. Also, New Orleans is famous for The French Quarter. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Pasadena?

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have 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.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

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

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through New Orleans, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

New Orleans has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

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.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for Music?

New Orleans is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

In New Orleans you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of New Orleans. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Pasadena?

Pasadena is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, New Orleans has some nice offerings. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for Families?

Pasadena is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Both New Orleans and Pasadena are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

New Orleans is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.

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.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena Better for Students?

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

New Orleans is a good city to visit for students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, New Orleans 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 New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Is New Orleans or Pasadena a more walkable city?

New Orleans and Pasadena are notable when it comes to walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Pasadena is a somewhat walkable place. 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 New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Pasadena?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

One day in New Orleans or Pasadena?

The city of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 charming 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 New Orleans or Pasadena?

New Orleans 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans or Pasadena?

New Orleans 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.

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 New Orleans or Pasadena?

New Orleans is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Pasadena?

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

The summer brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Pasadena. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 82°F (28°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. New Orleans usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Pasadena in the Autumn?

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

New Orleans is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in New Orleans averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Pasadena. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit New Orleans or Pasadena in the Winter?

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

In the winter, New Orleans is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in New Orleans in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Orleans or Pasadena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Pasadena. Most visitors come to New Orleans for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, New Orleans is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 68°F (20°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Pasadena. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and New Orleans