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

Should you visit Columbia or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Colorado Springs? 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Columbia and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak


Is there more to do in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Colorado Springs than Columbia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Colorado Springs is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its shopping. Colorado Springs is more touristy than Columbia and is known 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. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.


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

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Columbia and Colorado Springs.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Both Columbia and Colorado Springs are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

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

Columbia is a great destination for shopping. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly mountain town. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.


Is Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Columbia and Colorado Springs are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Columbia is a city 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Columbia
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Colorado Springs than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Columbia or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Columbia 1-2 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Columbia. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.


A weekend in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Columbia. If you have a weekend, this city 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.

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.

Five days in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Columbia 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 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.

A week in Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Columbia 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Columbia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $155. 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 Columbia and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Colorado Springs? 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.

Hotels in Columbia


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: Columbia Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $188
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) to Steamboat-Arrival Transfer: $232
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $265
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Steamboat - Private Arrival Transfer: $287
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $298
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Transfer: $298

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Columbia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Columbia $5.03
    Colorado Springs $45

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • 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: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Loveland, CO: $15
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Pueblo Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Puzzling Adventures Loveland: $35
  • Astronomy Tour: $45
  • E-Bike Winery Tour in Penrose, Colorado: Penrose Uncorked: $49
  • Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
  • 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $72
  • Original 3-Hour Food Walking Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $88
    Colorado Springs $24

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
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Colorado Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colorado Springs than you might in Columbia.

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


Which is Bigger, Columbia or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Colorado Springs. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbia is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Columbia is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Columbia usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Columbia

Columbia Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)