A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Denver for Couples, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Denver. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Denver

Denver is a suburban, accessible, and sprawling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Fort Lauderdale and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Denver. While Denver is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Denver and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also well known for The Local Beaches. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Skiing?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Denver is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Denver is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Denver offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Fort Lauderdale. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Denver is not a beach destination.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Hiking?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Shopping is a popular activity in both Denver and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Denver. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very kid-friendly coastal city. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Denver is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Denver is a good coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Students?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Denver is a good destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Denver is popular with students. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Denver, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Denver a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Denver

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable coastal city. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Denver is not a very walkable coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Denver. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Fort Lauderdale 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 Denver.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The accessible destination of Denver offers nightlife and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Denver. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $182, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Denver


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Delray Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) -City: $40
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from City -Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL): $40
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Fort Lauderdale - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL-Departure Transfer: $41
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Port Everglades-Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables - Arrival Private Transfer: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $177
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury SUV: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $155
  • Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $242
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $196
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $102
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Arrival Transfer: $122
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Glenwood Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $49
    Denver $42
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • Food Tour in Lauderdale By The Sea: $60
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • 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.

  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $55
  • Denver : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Downtown Denver Savory Food Tour: $74
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Audio Walking Tour of Las Olas Riverwalk: $7.38
  • Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Coral Springs by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pembroke Pines by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pompano Beach by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale: $24
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale (arrive 30 minutes early): $25
  • Private BLU3 Nomad Scuba Demo Experience in Deerfield: $25
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $29

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver's Spokes and Scoops: A Self-Guided Cycle Tour: $5.20
  • Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Denver $5.31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $37
  • Guided Happy Hour Bar Crawl by Beer Bike: $64
  • Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $69
  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Through Denver RiNo Arts District : $25
  • 4-Hour Downtown Denver Pub Crawl: $25
  • California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


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

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


Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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.