A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Colorado Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Colorado Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state of Colorado. It is located in the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state and is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and alpine trees. It is also referred to as "America's Olympic City" because it is the location of the United States Olympic Training Center.

Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Big Sur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Big Sur is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $155. 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 Big Sur and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Big Sur $165
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Big Sur $330
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Big Sur and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Big Sur 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 Big Sur


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: Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Big Sur -
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Centennial Airport to Vail, Colorado: $800
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Snowmass/Aspen -Round-Trip Transfer : $593
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airp. to Snowmass RoundTrip Transfer: $593
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan(BJC) to Steamboat-RoundTrip Transfer : $571
  • Denver Airport-Beaver Creek Ski Resort Private RoundTrip Transfer: $439
  • Denver Centennial Airport APA to Breckenridge Round-Trip Transfer: $395
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $296
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $296
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $296
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Transfer: $296
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $296
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Steamboat - Private Arrival Transfer: $285

Is it cheaper to fly into Big Sur or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Big Sur 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
    Big Sur -
    Colorado Springs $45

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: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Big Sur -
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in Big Sur

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Big Sur.

  • Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour: $13
  • Big Sur Highway 1: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

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

  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour In Garden Of The Gods: $106
  • Red Rocks Private 2 Hour Walking Tour: $94
  • 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $72
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $108
  • 3 Hours Private Ice Climbing Experience in Colorado: $240
  • ADVANCED Guided Splitboarding Adventure in Colorado: $303
  • ADVANCED skiing: Guided Tour of Colorado's Backcountry: $303
  • Astronomy Tour: $41
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $245
  • Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour: $78
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Big Sur -
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $84
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $89

How are these travel costs calculated?

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


When is the best time to visit Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Colorado Springs. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In the summer, Big Sur is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Big Sur in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in July than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Big Sur 63°F (17°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 62°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Big Sur 62°F (17°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Big Sur during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Big Sur is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Big Sur usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Big Sur 51°F (11°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Big Sur or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Colorado Springs. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Big Sur is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Big Sur in April average around 56°F (13°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Big Sur usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colorado Springs. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Big Sur 56°F (13°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Big Sur

Big Sur Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 53°F (12°C) 1.8 inches (47 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.1 inches (55 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 59°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (4 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 62°F (16°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 63°F (17°C) 0 inches (1 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 0.6 inches (14 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 51°F (10°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
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Big Sur vs. Colorado Springs Travel Comparison

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