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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Pasadena?

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 Saint Louis and Pasadena. 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.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pasadena

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

Saint Louis and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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 Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Both Pasadena and Saint Louis have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint Louis is better known for its museums, while Pasadena is more popular for its food and nightlife. Saint Louis is more touristy than Pasadena and is known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Saint Louis different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Saint Louis on the map. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

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.


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

Saint Louis
Pasadena

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pasadena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Saint Louis or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Pasadena is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pasadena and Saint Louis.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Pasadena is well-known for its shopping. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.


Is Saint Louis or Pasadena Better for Families?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Saint Louis and Pasadena both notable destinations for a couple.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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


Is Saint Louis or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Saint Louis
Pasadena

Saint Louis and Pasadena both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Louis and Pasadena. In our opinion, Saint Louis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Louis than Pasadena. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Saint Louis or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Louis 1-3 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Saint Louis or Pasadena?

The city of Saint Louis 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque 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 Saint Louis or Pasadena?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming 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 Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 charming 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 Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Saint Louis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Louis is $184, 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 Saint Louis and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Louis $101
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Louis $202
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Saint Louis and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis


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: Saint Louis Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Louis $26
    Pasadena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $77
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $80
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $116
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $116
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $54
    Pasadena $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Louis.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

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.
    Saint Louis $46
    Pasadena -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Louis for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $11
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Blues Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Enterprise Center: $31
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:

  • Old Pasadena Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
  • LA: East Side Guided Film Locations Tour: $350

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Louis $19
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Pasadena?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis or Pasadena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Pasadena. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pasadena this time of year.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In July, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Pasadena. The shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the shopping scene.

Saint Louis is cooler than Pasadena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Saint Louis usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pasadena in the Winter?

Both Pasadena and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Louis. In the winter, Saint Louis is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Pasadena averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In January, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Saint Louis or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Saint Louis during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Saint Louis is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Saint Louis

Saint Louis Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)