A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pittsburgh vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park travel costs.

Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pittsburgh is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Pittsburgh different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Pittsburgh. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

While most people don't head to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.


Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

Pittsburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking trails. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park More Beautiful?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and mountains, without the large crowds of the more well-known parks, make this a great natural destination.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Pittsburgh offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.


Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.


Is Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh
Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pittsburgh is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its high level of walkability.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In our opinion, Pittsburgh has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pittsburgh than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pittsburgh than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pittsburgh that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pittsburgh than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Pittsburgh.


  • How many days in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pittsburgh 2-3 
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 2-3

One day in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the vast park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Pittsburgh, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this industrial destination offers. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this park.


Five days in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Pittsburgh. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, a popular park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Pittsburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Pittsburgh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Pittsburgh Prices
    USA Prices
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pittsburgh $220
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Pittsburgh is $220, while the average daily cost in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is $148. 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 Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pittsburgh $106
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pittsburgh $212
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $124
Compare Hotels in Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for a hotel in Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? 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 Pittsburgh


Hotels in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park


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: Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pittsburgh $22
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Pittsburgh or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Prices for flights to both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Pittsburgh 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
    Pittsburgh $94
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Handmade Sushi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Pittsburgh: $75
  • Downtown Pittsburgh Hidden Eats Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pittsburgh $38
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $21

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh's Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pittsburgh by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Smartphone-Guided Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh Sights & Stories: $28
  • Echoes from the Iron Forge: Pittsburgh Phantoms Ghost Tour: $32
  • Reel Pittsburgh Movie Tour: $33
  • Black & Gold Sunset Tour: $33
  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Holiday Lights Tour: $33
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $45
  • Whiskey Rebellion & Prohibition Tour: $45
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pittsburgh $33
    Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $69
  • Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: $89
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pittsburgh and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pittsburgh Expensive? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Expensive?.


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