A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Breckenridge vs. Denver for Skiing, Families, Food, and Nightlife

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Should you visit Breckenridge or Denver?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or Denver? 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 charming, breathtaking, and adventurous ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, hiking, and skiing.

How is Breckenridge different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Skiing?

While Denver and Breckenridge both offer snow skiing, overall Breckenridge has more to offer.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Breckenridge should be on your list. The town 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.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.


Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Food?

Foodies will find both Breckenridge and Denver both to be unique destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denver. While you're in town you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Nightlife?

Both Breckenridge and Denver are comparable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Breckenridge. The town comes to live 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Breckenridge and Denver both have various trails.

Breckenridge is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Denver has hiking trails worth exploring. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains.

Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Breckenridge or Denver.

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.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy.


Is Breckenridge or Denver better for Public Transit?

Both Breckenridge and Denver offer public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offers good access to much of Denver.

Is Breckenridge or Denver a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is considered more walkable than Denver.

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

Denver is not a walkable ski resort. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

Breckenridge and Denver: Pros and Cons

Breckenridge
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Denver
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular for skiing
  • Less walkable


Should I spend more time in Denver or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Breckenridge and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than Denver.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Breckenridge is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Denver is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Breckenridge or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Breckenridge 3-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Breckenridge or Denver?

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Denver, many people enjoy the nightlife and skiing that this park-filled city offers. 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 Denver?

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Denver is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Breckenridge or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and skiing around the sprawling destination of Denver. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. 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 Denver?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Denver is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire area has lots to do.

Which city is cheaper, Denver or Breckenridge?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Breckenridge is $160, while the average daily cost in Denver is $174. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Breckenridge and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Breckenridge $85
    Denver $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Breckenridge $170
    Denver $138

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Breckenridge $15
    Denver $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Breckenridge

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Breckenridge:

  • Breckenridge to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $404

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $46
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Denver Airport (DEN): $46
  • Private Departure Transfer from Denver City to DEN Denver Airport: $54
  • Private Arrival Transfer from DEN Denver Airport to Denver City: $58
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $72
  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown: $72
  • Private Airport Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Denver: $81
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Denver to Denver International Airport (DEN): $81
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown: $86
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Breckenridge or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge $49
    Denver $34

Typical Food prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • Small-Group Food Tour in Denver: $69
  • Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour: $73
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver: $77
  • Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo: $79
  • Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Breckenridge $75
    Denver $42

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:

  • Listen to a Tour Guide While You Drive between Breckenridge and Denver: $3.75
  • Colorado: Smartphone Driving Tour Between Vail & Denver: $7.82
  • Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $24
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales: $31
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $35
  • 1 hour Axe Throwing experience with a Coach: $44

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • Spokes and Scoops: Explore Denver's top ice cream spots on an audio bicycle tour: $5.20
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Virtual Reality Experiences for Everyone: $21
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Best of Denver Tour: $22
  • Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour: $22
  • Twilight Ghost Tour: $22
  • Denver Ghost Tour: $23
  • 1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver: $25
  • Moscow Mule Experience: $32
  • From Mining to Modern Walking Tour of Denver: $35
  • History and Whiskey Tour in Denver: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Breckenridge $6.23
    Denver $4.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown: $26
  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo): $27
  • 3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour: $49
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Breckenridge and Denver, we can see that Denver 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.

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Breckenridge vs. Denver Travel Comparison

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