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

Should you visit Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Charlottesville and Colorado Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlottesville and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Colorado Springs. Although Charlottesville and Colorado Springs are popular destinations, Colorado Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Colorado Springs is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. It is also well known for Pikes Peak.

How is Charlottesville different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Charlottesville and Colorado Springs.

Charlottesville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. 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 Charlottesville or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Colorado Springs is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Charlottesville and Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Charlottesville has a few options to choose from. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Charlottesville to see the historical old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is terrific for hiking. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for the nearby hiking options.

Colorado Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is a great mountain town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Charlottesville and Colorado Springs both nice destinations for a couple.

Charlottesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Colorado Springs is a good university town for couples to visit. 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 Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Charlottesville is terrific for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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

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

Charlottesville is a university 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Charlottesville and Colorado Springs are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Charlottesville is generally not a very walkable university town. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. 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 Charlottesville Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Charlottesville and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Colorado Springs than Charlottesville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Charlottesville 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

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

The welcoming destination of Colorado Springs offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. 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.

The mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Charlottesville is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Charlottesville and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Charlottesville Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Charlottesville is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 78°F (26°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Charlottesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlottesville usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Charlottesville is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 59°F (15°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Charlottesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Charlottesville is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlottesville in January average around 36°F (2°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Colorado Springs. The spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In April, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 58°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Charlottesville