Which place is cheaper, Columbia River Gorge or Colorado Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Colorado Springs vs. Columbia River Gorge for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Columbia River Gorge can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge?
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state of Colorado. It is located in the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state and is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and alpine trees. It is also referred to as "America's Olympic City" because it is the location of the United States Olympic Training Center.
Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.
The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColorado Springs $155Columbia River Gorge $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Colorado Springs is $155, while the average daily cost in Columbia River Gorge is $179. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Colorado Springs and Columbia River Gorge in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColorado Springs $81Columbia River Gorge $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColorado Springs $162Columbia River Gorge $178
Compare Hotels in Colorado Springs and Columbia River Gorge
Looking for a hotel in Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colorado Springs $38Columbia River Gorge $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge?
Prices for flights to both Columbia River Gorge and Colorado Springs 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
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Food Meals for one dayColorado Springs $45Columbia River Gorge $46
Typical Food prices in Colorado Springs
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:
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Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)$22
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Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.
- Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $79
- The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colorado Springs $34Columbia River Gorge $20
Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs
Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
- Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
- Astronomy Tour: $41
- Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
- 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
- Original 3-Hour Food Walking Tour: $73
- Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $78
- Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour: $78
- 2.5-Hour Cocktails & Tastes Walking Tour: $84
- Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $89
- Half-Day Bighorn Sheep Canyon Rafting Adventure in Cotopaxi : $89
- Scenic Tour of the Pikes Peak Highway: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColorado Springs $24Columbia River Gorge $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:
- 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $84
When comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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.
Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge?
Colorado Springs is bigger, and its population is about 31.3 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the population of Colorado Springs vs. Columbia River Gorge, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge?
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 Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Colorado Springs and Columbia River Gorge. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.
Colorado Springs is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In July, Colorado Springs usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyColorado Springs 71°F (22°C)Columbia River Gorge 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Colorado Springs as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Colorado Springs is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colorado Springs in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).
Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberColorado Springs 48°F (9°C)Columbia River Gorge 55°F (13°C)
Should I visit Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?
Both Columbia River Gorge and Colorado Springs are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.
Columbia River Gorge can be very cold during winter. Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Colorado Springs is generally much colder than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 26°F (-3°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryColorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)Columbia River Gorge 40°F (4°C)
Should I visit Colorado Springs or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?
Both Columbia River Gorge and Colorado Springs during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Colorado Springs is cooler than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilColorado Springs 45°F (7°C)Columbia River Gorge 51°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Colorado Springs
| Colorado Springs | Columbia River Gorge | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 40°F (4°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 44°F (7°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Mar | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) | 47°F (9°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Apr | 45°F (7°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Jul | 71°F (22°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Aug | 68°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 69°F (20°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
| Sep | 60°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Oct | 48°F (9°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Nov | 36°F (2°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | 46°F (8°C) | 5.4 inches (136 mm) |
| Dec | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) | 40°F (5°C) | 6.1 inches (156 mm) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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