A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charleston vs. Colorado Springs for Food, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Charleston or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Charleston or Colorado Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Charleston

Charleston is a charming, southern, and quaint coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Charleston and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Charleston than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Charleston, Charleston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Charleston is better known for its food, music, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Charleston is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Charleston different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Charleston is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Charleston is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Charleston or Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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.

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

Charleston is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Charleston and Colorado Springs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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 Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

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

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Charleston is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Charleston is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is terrific for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Charleston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Charleston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Charleston is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas?

Charleston is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Charleston. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston offers some nice Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

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

Colorado Springs is known to be 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.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Charleston is terrific for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Charleston is a mediocre coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Charleston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Hotels in the old town tend to be pricey and there isn't the backpacker community that you find in many other destinations. Still, there are a couple of hostels.

Is Charleston or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Charleston and Colorado Springs are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

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

Charleston is a coastal town 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 Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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 Charleston or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Charleston is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Colorado Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Charleston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly mountain town of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the classic coastal town of Charleston. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.

Five days in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Charleston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Colorado Springs, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Charleston is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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 comparing the travel costs between Charleston and Colorado Springs, we can see that Charleston 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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.

When is the best time to visit Charleston or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Charleston or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charleston is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charleston in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Colorado Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Charleston because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In October, Charleston is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 67°F (19°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Charleston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Colorado Springs. Charleston is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 47°F (9°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Charleston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charleston is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charleston in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Charleston usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Charleston