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

Should you visit Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atlanta. Although Atlanta and Colorado Springs are roughly the same size, Atlanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atlanta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Atlanta is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Atlanta is famous for the Georgia Aquarium. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Atlanta different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a skiing destination.

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

Atlanta is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atlanta 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, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Atlanta know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is terrific for hiking. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

Atlanta is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Atlanta and Colorado Springs are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

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

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Atlanta and Colorado Springs are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Colorado Springs is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

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

Atlanta is very popular with students. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Atlanta is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

People visit Atlanta because there is so much to do. 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.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Colorado Springs has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

Atlanta 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.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

Atlanta 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Colorado Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Atlanta and Colorado Springs, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Colorado Springs?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atlanta is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and 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, Atlanta is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlanta 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. Atlanta is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Atlanta is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 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 Atlanta