A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Pasadena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Washington or Pasadena?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Pasadena?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Pasadena

Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.

Which city is cheaper, Pasadena or Washington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $50. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Pasadena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $91
    Pasadena $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $182
    Pasadena $40
Compare Hotels in Washington and Pasadena

Looking for a hotel in Washington 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 Washington


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: Washington Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $37
    Pasadena $17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Washington Reagan Airport Transfer to Baltimore & D. C.: $15
  • Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA): $40
  • Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Washington to Dulles International Airport (IAD): $77
  • Private Departure Transfer from Washington City to DCA Regan Washington Airport: $78
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $82
  • Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van: $82
  • Washington Airport Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Van: $82
  • Seattle: Private Transfer to/from Seattle Airport (SEA): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Pasadena?

Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Washington 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
    Washington $30
    Pasadena $15
Typical Food prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
  • Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
  • Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
  • Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
  • Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
  • Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
  • Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
  • U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
  • Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
  • Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
  • Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122

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.
    Washington $19
    Pasadena -

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
  • Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
  • Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
  • DC Ghost Tour: $24
  • Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24

Tours and Activities in Pasadena

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

  • Private Christmas Tour with Christmas Afternoon Tea Ceremony in Old Pasadena: $220
  • Private Self-Guided Tour of Pasadena in Los Angeles: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $15
    Pasadena -

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
  • NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
  • 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Washington 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 Washington or Pasadena in the Summer?

Both Pasadena and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Washington is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Pasadena stays around 73°F (23°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Pasadena. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Pasadena 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Pasadena. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Washington is cooler than Pasadena in the autumn. The temperature in Washington is usually 60°F (15°C) in October, and Pasadena stays around 68°F (20°C).

In October, Washington usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Pasadena 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Pasadena. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Washington is much colder than Pasadena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January are around 35°F (1°C), and Pasadena is about 56°F (13°C).

Washington usually gets more rain in January than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Pasadena 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Washington or Pasadena in the Spring?

Both Pasadena and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In April, Washington is generally cooler than Pasadena. Temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Pasadena stays around 62°F (17°C).

In April, Washington usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Pasadena 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Pasadena and Washington

Washington Pasadena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 65°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 69°F (20°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 74°F (24°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 73°F (23°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 68°F (20°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 62°F (16°C) 1.6 inches (42 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)


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Washington vs. Pasadena Travel Comparison

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