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

Should you visit Dallas or Colorado Springs?

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 Dallas and Colorado Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Dallas and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Colorado Springs. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Dallas different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

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

Dallas is not a skiing destination.

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

Dallas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

Dallas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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.

Is Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Dallas is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Dallas know how to have a good time. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. 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 Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

Dallas is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Dallas or Colorado Springs.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. 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 Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Dallas is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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.

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

Colorado Springs is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Colorado Springs is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Dallas or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Dallas and Colorado Springs both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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 Dallas Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Dallas?

How long in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dallas and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dallas than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dallas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Dallas 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 Dallas or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Dallas. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the active city of Dallas. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

Dallas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dallas or Colorado Springs?

Dallas 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Dallas 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 Dallas Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dallas or Colorado Springs?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dallas and Colorado Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In July, Dallas is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 88°F (31°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In July, Dallas usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Dallas gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dallas or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dallas as well as Colorado Springs. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dallas is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dallas averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dallas or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Dallas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dallas is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dallas in January average around 46°F (8°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Dallas usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Dallas gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dallas or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Dallas during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dallas is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Dallas average around 68°F (20°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Dallas usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Dallas gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Dallas