Which place is cheaper, Pasadena or Tucson?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tucson 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 Tucson and Pasadena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Tucson or Pasadena?
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Tucson Prices
USA PricesPasadena Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTucson $184Pasadena $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Tucson is $184, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $76. 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 Tucson and Pasadena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTucson $93Pasadena $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTucson $186Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Tucson and Pasadena
Looking for a hotel in Tucson 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.
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: Tucson Hotel Prices and Pasadena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tucson $27Pasadena $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Tucson or Pasadena?
Prices for flights to both Pasadena and Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayTucson $63Pasadena $32
Typical Food Prices in Pasadena
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:
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Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tucson $16Pasadena -
Tours and Activities in Pasadena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:
- Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival Entry Ticket: $20
- Pasadena Ghost Tour: Purgatory Phantoms: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTucson $16Pasadena -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tucson and Pasadena, we can see that Tucson 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 Tucson would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tucson 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 Tucson Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tucson or Pasadena?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Tucson 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.