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

Should you visit Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tallahassee and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pasadena. Although Tallahassee and Pasadena are popular destinations, Pasadena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl. It is also well known for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

How is Tallahassee different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Pasadena

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Pasadena and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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.


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

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pasadena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Pasadena for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.


Is Tallahassee or Pasadena Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Both Tallahassee and Pasadena are nice to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

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.

Is Tallahassee or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Tallahassee is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

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 Tallahassee or Pasadena Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

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

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pasadena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Tallahassee or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Pasadena

Pasadena is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pasadena than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Pasadena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Pasadena 1-3

One day in Tallahassee or Pasadena?

The city of Tallahassee offers nightlife 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 Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Tallahassee 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 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 Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Tallahassee 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.

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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Pasadena $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Pasadena $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Pasadena $19

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.
    Tallahassee $12
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $194
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $249
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $382
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Pasadena -


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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Pasadena?

Tallahassee has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Tallahassee during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Pasadena in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Pasadena fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Pasadena. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Pasadena in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Pasadena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallahassee in October average around 69°F (20°C), and Pasadena averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In October, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Pasadena. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the winter for the museums, 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 January, Tallahassee is generally cooler than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 51°F (11°C), and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Tallahassee is a little warmer than Pasadena in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 67°F (19°C) in April, and Pasadena fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Tallahassee. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)