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

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Portland?

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 Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Colorado Springs, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its music and shopping, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Colorado Springs different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Portland is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Portland is not a skiing destination.

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

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Colorado Springs. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Colorado Springs or Portland has a better nightlife scene.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland has a few options to choose from. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Music?

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

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Colorado Springs visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Portland is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portland is a great destination for shopping. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Colorado Springs and Portland are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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.

Is Colorado Springs or Portland Better for Students?

Colorado Springs and Portland are good places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Colorado Springs or Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain 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 Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Colorado Springs and Portland. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Colorado Springs or Portland?

The beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the progressive destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Colorado Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the tree-lined city of Portland. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Colorado Springs or Portland?

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.

Portland is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Colorado Springs and Portland, 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 Colorado Springs or Portland?

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 Colorado Springs or Portland in the Summer?

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

Colorado Springs is around the same temperature as Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 71°F (22°C) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Colorado Springs usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Colorado Springs gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Portland in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Colorado Springs is cooler than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Colorado Springs in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In October, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Portland. Colorado Springs gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Colorado Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, Colorado Springs is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Colorado Springs average around 26°F (-3°C), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Colorado Springs usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Colorado Springs gets 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Colorado Springs or Portland in the Spring?

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

Colorado Springs is cooler than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Colorado Springs averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Colorado Springs usually receives less rain than Portland. Colorado Springs gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Colorado Springs