They are both good. However I prefer Bangkok. Yes. Pattaya is very transactional, as is Nana Plaza in Bangkok.
Its all transactional but I have had better “relationships” with women that I have found in Bangkok. Pattaya is a bit fly in and fly out for the girls.

Pattaya itself is a bit disappointing. The beach is not clean. There are more things to do in Bangkok. Other good places are Hua Hin and Phuket. As mentioned, it depends on what you are looking for.