A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Avon vs. Colorado Springs for Hiking, Skiing, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Avon or Colorado Springs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avon and Colorado Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for food, hiking, and skiing. See Avon travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Avon and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for skiing
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Avon or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Avon and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and shopping, while Colorado Springs is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Avon is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Avon different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Avon is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for skiing.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.


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

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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

Avon
Colorado Springs

Both Avon and Colorado Springs offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

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 Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Evening events are good in both Avon and Colorado Springs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Colorado Springs. 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 Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Avon is very good for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Avon has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Avon or Colorado Springs?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Avon is a town with a few options for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Avon is a good destination for shopping. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Avon or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Avon and Colorado Springs both good destinations for a couple.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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 Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Avon or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Avon
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a good destination for students. However, Avon is not popular with students.

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

Avon is not popular with students.

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

Avon
Colorado Springs

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

You'll find some public transit in Avon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Avon or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Avon
Colorado Springs

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

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Avon?

How long in Avon or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Avon or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Avon 2-4 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Avon or Colorado Springs?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Avon or Colorado Springs?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the scenic town of Avon. If you have a weekend, this town 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Avon or Colorado Springs?

Avon 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.

You'll find food and museums around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Avon or Colorado Springs?

Avon 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.

The welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Avon Prices
    USA Prices
    Colorado Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Avon $326
    Colorado Springs $205

The average daily cost (per person) in Avon is $326, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $205. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Avon and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Avon $177
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Avon $354
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Avon and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Avon or Colorado Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Avon


Hotels in Colorado Springs


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Avon Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Avon $41
    Colorado Springs $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Winter Park Ski Resort to Denver Airport BJC Departure Transfer: $92
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Eagle County Reg. Airport - Departure Transfer: $129
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $183
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Vail/Beaver Creek Private Transfer: $216
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) to Steamboat-Arrival Transfer: $226
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $259
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $291
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $291
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Avon or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Avon $117
    Colorado Springs $95

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $88
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Avon $48
    Colorado Springs $40

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods : $15
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Guided Ghost Story and History Tour: $28
  • Pueblo Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Puzzling Adventures Loveland: $35
  • Fort Collins Military Years Tour: $40
  • Astronomy Tour: $45
  • EBIKE Winery Tour in Penrose, Colorado: Penrose Uncorked: $49
  • Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
  • Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs Jeep Tour: $58
  • Ebike 2 Hour Rental Experience in Manitou Springs, Colorado: $79
  • Driving Tour: Pikes Peak Highway incl. Garden of the Gods: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Avon $38
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avon and Colorado Springs, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Avon or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Avon 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.