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

Should you visit Breckenridge or Durango?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or Durango? 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 adventurous, scenic, and nature-filled ski resort. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums.

Breckenridge and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Breckenridge or Durango?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and Durango are popular destinations, Breckenridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Breckenridge is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Durango attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Breckenridge is more touristy than Durango and is popular 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. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Breckenridge different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Breckenridge is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Breckenridge or Durango?

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

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Breckenridge is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Breckenridge is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Resorts?

Breckenridge is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the nice old towns in both Breckenridge and Durango.

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

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its hiking trails.

Durango is a popular spot for hiking. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory 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 Durango?

Breckenridge is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Christmas?

Breckenridge is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its Christmas activities.

Breckenridge offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. From sledding to sleigh rides and hot chocolate, this town is absolutely magical during the Christmas season.

Durango offers some nice Christmas activities. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Christmas Markets?

Breckenridge is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Durango does not offer Christmas markets.

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

Durango does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Breckenridge or Durango.

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 Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Couples?

Breckenridge is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Breckenridge or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Breckenridge and Durango 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.

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Breckenridge is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Breckenridge or Durango a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or Durango?

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

Families should spend more time in Breckenridge than Durango. 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 Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This ski resort offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Durango, many people enjoy the museums that this historic small 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 Durango?

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Breckenridge or Durango?

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Breckenridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums around the quaint small town of Durango. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Breckenridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango 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 Durango, we can see that Breckenridge is more expensive. And not only is Durango much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durango would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durango 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 Durango.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Breckenridge Expensive? and Is Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Breckenridge or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge and Durango, 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.