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

Should you visit Raleigh or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Pasadena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a suburban-style, friendly, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Raleigh and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Pasadena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Raleigh than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Raleigh is very popular for its big city activities, while Pasadena attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. It is also well known for North Carolina State University. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Raleigh different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pasadena is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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

Pasadena is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Raleigh or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Pasadena is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Pasadena?

Pasadena is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Pasadena Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Pasadena.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Pasadena offers lots of family activities. 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 Raleigh or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Pasadena is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Pasadena Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Pasadena is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Pasadena is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Pasadena?

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

Families should spend more time in Pasadena than Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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.

One day in Raleigh or Pasadena?

The city of Raleigh offers nightlife and food. 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.

In Pasadena, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Raleigh or Pasadena?

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

In Pasadena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pasadena has to offer.

Five days in Raleigh or Pasadena?

Raleigh 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.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Raleigh or Pasadena?

Raleigh 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pasadena. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Pasadena?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Pasadena?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Raleigh or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pasadena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Raleigh is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Raleigh gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Pasadena. The autumn months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In the autumn, Raleigh is cooler than Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Raleigh in October average around 61°F (16°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Raleigh in the winter. In January, Raleigh is generally much colder than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 40°F (5°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Raleigh during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the activities around the city.

Raleigh is around the same temperature as Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 60°F (16°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Raleigh