A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Breckenridge vs. Colorado Springs for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or Colorado Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nature-filled, charming, and breathtaking ski resort. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Breckenridge and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and Colorado Springs are popular destinations, Breckenridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Breckenridge is very popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Breckenridge is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also well known for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Breckenridge different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge is terrific for winter skiing. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for skiing.

Breckenridge is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Breckenridge and Colorado Springs both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Breckenridge. 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.

Colorado Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both Breckenridge and Colorado Springs are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

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

Breckenridge has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is very good for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Breckenridge to see the historical old town. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Breckenridge is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Breckenridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas?

Breckenridge is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Breckenridge is a world class destination for shoppers. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas Markets?

Breckenridge is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Breckenridge has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. During the holiday season the Arts District hosts a Christmas Market.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Breckenridge or Colorado Springs.

Breckenridge is a very kid-friendly ski resort. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. 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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Breckenridge is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Breckenridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Breckenridge and Colorado Springs are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Colorado Springs is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for students. However, Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.

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

Breckenridge is a ski resort 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 Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service 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 Breckenridge or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is terrific for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable ski resort. 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 Breckenridge Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Breckenridge and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Breckenridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

One day in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Breckenridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, many people enjoy the food and museums that this healthy mountain town offers. 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.

A weekend in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Breckenridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Colorado Springs 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Breckenridge or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge 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.