A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Aspen vs. Breckenridge for Skiing, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Aspen or Breckenridge?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Breckenridge can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a artsy, outdoorsy, and authentic ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a breathtaking, adventurous, and scenic ski resort. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Aspen and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Breckenridge are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and hiking, while Breckenridge is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Aspen is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Breckenridge is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment.

How is Aspen different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Aspen and Breckenridge are terrific places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Breckenridge is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Breckenridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its evening party scene.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its luxury resorts.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is a ski resort with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge offers a nice historic old town area. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its hiking trails.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Breckenridge. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Breckenridge and Aspen.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Christmas?

The Christmas season is a nice time to visit both Aspen and Breckenridge.

Aspen is a world class destination for shoppers. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Breckenridge. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Christmas Markets?

Both Aspen and Breckenridge have excellent Christmas markets during the holiday season.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere around its Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

The Christmas markets in Breckenridge offer plenty to see during the holidays. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Breckenridge is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Both Aspen and Breckenridge are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Breckenridge is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Breckenridge is a ski resort with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Breckenridge is a good ski resort to visit for backpackers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Breckenridge is not a good ski resort for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Is Aspen or Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Breckenridge on foot is easy. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

Aspen is very walkable. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Both Aspen and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Aspen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Breckenridge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge than Aspen 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 Breckenridge.

One day in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Breckenridge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous small town offers. Lots of people come for the skiing. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Aspen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Breckenridge is a fun place to experience. In Breckenridge, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this quaint small town offers. Lots of people come for the skiing. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Aspen or Breckenridge?

Aspen is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Breckenridge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventurous small town offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Breckenridge?

Aspen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Breckenridge, 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.