A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Pasadena for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun 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 Cancun and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Cancun travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a picturesque, quaint, and charming city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Pasadena travel costs.

Cancun and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Pasadena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Pasadena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Pasadena is known for its food and shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Pasadena is popular for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

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How is Cancun different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Pasadena.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pasadena can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Cancun or Pasadena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Pasadena has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Pasadena is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Pasadena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Pasadena is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Pasadena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Pasadena?

Pasadena is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Cancun or Pasadena More Beautiful?

Cancun is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Pasadena Better for Families?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun or Pasadena Better for Couples?

Cancun is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. 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 Cancun or Pasadena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cancun and Pasadena.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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.

Is Cancun or Pasadena a more walkable city?

Cancun 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.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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 Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Pasadena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pasadena or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Pasadena. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Pasadena. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

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

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

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

One day in Cancun or Pasadena?

The beautiful city of Cancun offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pasadena. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cancun or Pasadena?

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pasadena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Pasadena?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cancun, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pasadena. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Pasadena?

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cancun has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Pasadena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Pasadena?

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