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

Should you visit Columbus or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

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.

Columbus and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Colorado Springs than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its shopping. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. It is also home to Pikes Peak.

How is Columbus different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Columbus or Colorado Springs.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus 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 Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Colorado Springs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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.

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Colorado Springs?

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

Columbus is a great destination for shopping. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Colorado Springs.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbus or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus is not popular with students.

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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Columbus is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Colorado Springs?

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

Families should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the welcoming city of Columbus. 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs?

Columbus 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Colorado Springs?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbus is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Columbus for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Columbus is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbus in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Columbus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Columbus can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Columbus is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 30°F (-1°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Columbus is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 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 Columbus