A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pasadena vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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 Pasadena and Las Vegas. 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.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a sexy, glamourous, and ritzy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Pasadena and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

You'll generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Pasadena. Las Vegas is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Pasadena or Las Vegas.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

Is Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Pasadena is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Las Vegas has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

In Las Vegas you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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

Las Vegas is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Pasadena is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Pasadena is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Pasadena or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is an amazing entertainment capital to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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

Pasadena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Pasadena or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Pasadena and Las Vegas both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

Both Pasadena and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Pasadena. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pasadena, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.

One day in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this entertainment capital makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Las Vegas, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pasadena or Las Vegas?

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.

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena and Las Vegas, 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.