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

Should you visit Detroit or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Colorado Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked 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 friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and museums.

Detroit and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Colorado Springs. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Detroit is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Detroit different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

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

Detroit is not a skiing destination.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Detroit and Colorado Springs.

Detroit offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Detroit and Colorado Springs can be an enjoyable experience.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Colorado Springs area. 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 Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Detroit know how to have a good time. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Detroit is terrific for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

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

Detroit is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. 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 Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Detroit or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor 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 Detroit or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Detroit and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Colorado Springs than Detroit. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Detroit, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the hardworking destination of Detroit. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the overlooked city of Detroit. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Colorado Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Colorado Springs has to offer.

Five days in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

Detroit 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 great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Colorado Springs?

Detroit is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Colorado Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Detroit and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Colorado Springs?

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

Both Colorado Springs and Detroit during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Colorado Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

Detroit is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Detroit usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Colorado Springs. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Colorado Springs. It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. In the winter, Detroit is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

Detroit usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, Detroit usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 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 Detroit