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

Should you visit Austin or Colorado Springs?

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

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

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Colorado Springs, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Austin is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Austin different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Austin is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Austin is not a skiing destination.

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

Austin 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 Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Colorado Springs?

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

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

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

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Austin and Colorado Springs are both good to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin 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 Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

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 Austin or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

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

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Austin 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 Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Austin and Colorado Springs both are decent when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Austin?

How long in Austin or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Colorado Springs. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Austin or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the unconventional destination of Austin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the entrepreneurial city of Austin. 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.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Colorado Springs?

Austin 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Colorado Springs?

Austin 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Austin Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Austin or Colorado Springs?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Austin or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and 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.

Austin is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Colorado Springs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin 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. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Austin usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Austin is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Austin