Which place is cheaper, Denver or Florence?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florence or Denver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Denver, 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.
Florence
Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.
Denver
Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.
Florence and Denver: Pros and Cons
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Denver
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less popular for students
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Florence or Denver?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Denver. While Denver is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Denver is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.
How is Florence different from Denver?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denver and Florence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Skiing?
Florence
Denver
Denver is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Florence is not a skiing destination.
For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.
Florence is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florence or Denver?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.
Is the Food Better in Florence or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Nightlife?
Florence
Denver
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Florence and Denver.
If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Is Florence or Denver Better for its Old Town?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for its old town. However, Denver does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Denver does not have a historic old town.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Hiking?
Florence
Denver
Denver is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.
Denver has hiking trails worth exploring. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.
Florence is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Denver?
Florence
Denver
Florence is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.
Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Families?
Florence
Denver
Florence and Denver are both notable destinations for the whole family.
Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Couples?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Students?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for students. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.
Is Florence or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Florence
Denver
Florence and Denver both offer notable public transit to get you around.
While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.
Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.
Is Florence or Denver a more walkable city?
Florence
Denver
Florence is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.
Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.
For even more information, also check out Is Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Denver or Florence?
How long in Florence or Denver?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Florence and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Denver. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.
Families should spend more time in Florence than Denver. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Florence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Florence than Denver. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Denver 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 Florence.
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How many days in Florence or Denver? Ideal Length of StayFlorence 2-7Denver 2-3
One day in Florence or Denver?
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
The city of Denver offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Florence or Denver?
Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Denver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denver, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Five days in Florence or Denver?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Denver is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Florence or Denver?
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Denver is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFlorence $165Denver $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is $165, while the average daily cost in Denver is $218. 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 Florence and Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorence $93Denver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorence $186Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Florence and Denver
Looking for a hotel in Florence or Denver? 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.
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: Florence Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florence $23Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City$8.57
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Taxi from Airport$27
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In City Parking (Full Day)$32
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Bus Pass (Full Day)$5.36
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Bus From Airport$5.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From The Mall Firenze Shuttle Transfer: $15
- Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
- Private Departure Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Florence SMN Train Station : $51
- Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
- From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $53
- Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
- From Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre: $64
- Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Denver Airport Transfer To/From Aspen for 6-14 Sprinter Van: $1,950
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Private Transfer: $296
- Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $285
- Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $254
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $239
- Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $219
- Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $194
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Intl. Airport to Downtown: $173
- Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Florence or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver and Florence 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
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Food Meals for one dayFlorence $38Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich$6.96
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $29
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $33
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $36
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Eating Florence Street Food Tour Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $59
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
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Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
- The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Florence $32Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi$12
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi$4.29
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Firenze Card (for Two)$107
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)$21
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee$6.43
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee$7.50
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
- Relive the Renaissance on a Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
- Florence Walking Tour: $3.26
- Sunset Walking Tour: $3.28
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.28
- Self Guided Tours Florence With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.28
- Experience Florence’s Art and Architecture on a Walking Tour: $3.29
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.29
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.47
- Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- Colorado Green Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour from Denver: $79
- Denver's Wild History Tour & Ballpark Museum : $24
- Shared Golden's History Wagon Ride Tour in Colorado: $65
- Small-Group Cocktail Tour in Denver: $99
- 1.5 Hour RiNo Art District Walking Tour: $28
- 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
- 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
- Beginner Rock Climbing Tour: $200
- Best of Denver Tour: $30
- Best of Denver Tour: $64
- Best of Denver Tour: $24
- Bike and Booze Tour of RiNo & Downtown: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFlorence $20Denver $5.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti$4.50
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Bottle of Wine$8.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $27
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- Sip, Savor, Save! Youth Wine Tasting Tour with Appitisers: $28
- Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Cellar Wine Tour: $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4-Hour Downtown Denver Pub Crawl: $25
- Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
- Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
- Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
- Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
- Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florence and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florence is in Europe and Denver is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver than you might in Florence.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florence Expensive? and Is Denver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florence or Denver?
Denver has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Denver, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.