A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Arlington vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Colorado Springs, 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and museums.

Arlington and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arlington than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Arlington, Arlington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arlington is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Arlington is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Also, Arlington is famous for Arlington National Cemetery. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Arlington different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Arlington is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arlington is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arlington makes for a great culinary experience. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Arlington is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Arlington and Colorado Springs are both notable to visit as a couple.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Arlington is a great destination for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is terrific for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Arlington or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Arlington is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arlington and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arlington than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington than Colorado Springs 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the educational destination of Arlington. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and museums around the mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the international city of Arlington. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Arlington is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arlington Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington and Colorado Springs, 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.

When is the best time to visit Arlington or Colorado Springs?

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 Arlington or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Arlington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arlington is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Colorado Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In October, Arlington is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Arlington usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arlington or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Colorado Springs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Colorado Springs. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. Arlington is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Arlington usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Arlington is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arlington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Arlington usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Arlington