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

Should you visit Pasadena or Portland?

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 Portland. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Pasadena and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Pasadena. Portland is bigger than Pasadena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Portland is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland 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 Portland?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Pasadena is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Pasadena has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Portland?

Pasadena is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Families?

Both Pasadena and Portland are notable family-friendly destinations.

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.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Couples?

Pasadena and Portland both notable destinations for a couple.

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.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Pasadena or Portland Better for Students?

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

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Both Pasadena and Portland offer notable public transit options.

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

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Pasadena or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. 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 Pasadena Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Portland?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Pasadena or Portland?

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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

Portland 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pasadena or Portland?

Pasadena 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.

Portland 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.

A week in Pasadena or Portland?

Pasadena 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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

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 Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Portland?

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

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 Pasadena or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Pasadena during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pasadena is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pasadena in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in July than Portland. Pasadena gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Portland. The autumn months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In October, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 68°F (20°C), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Portland. Pasadena gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pasadena or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Portland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Pasadena is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 56°F (13°C) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Portland. Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pasadena is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pasadena in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Portland. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Pasadena