A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Los Angeles vs. Colorado Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

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 Los Angeles and Colorado Springs. 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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and museums.

Los Angeles and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles is bigger than Colorado Springs, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Los Angeles is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Los Angeles different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Los Angeles is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Los Angeles is not a skiing destination.

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

Los Angeles is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Los Angeles that are not to be missed. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a great destination for theatre. However, Colorado Springs is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Colorado Springs is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Los Angeles has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is terrific for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Los Angeles is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

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

Los Angeles is a world class music destination. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a great destination for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Los Angeles. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Los Angeles is a very popular vacation destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Los Angeles and Colorado Springs, and they are first-rate.

Los Angeles is well-known for its hiking and trekking. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

Los Angeles is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Los Angeles is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Los Angeles is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is terrific for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

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.

Is Los Angeles or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Los Angeles is terrific for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

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

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

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Los Angeles?

How long in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Los Angeles and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Los Angeles, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Colorado Springs 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

People visit Los Angeles because there is so much to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

Los Angeles is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Colorado Springs. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Los Angeles and Colorado Springs, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Colorado Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Colorado Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colorado Springs 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Colorado Springs.

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

Which is Bigger, Los Angeles or Colorado Springs?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Los Angeles during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Los Angeles is around the same temperature as Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Los Angeles in July average around 72°F (22°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Los Angeles usually gets less rain in July than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles gets 0 inches (0 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Los Angeles and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Los Angeles is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Los Angeles average around 64°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles gets 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Los Angeles as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine.

The weather in Colorado Springs can be very cold. Los Angeles is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Los Angeles averages around 55°F (13°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Los Angeles usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Los Angeles or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Los Angeles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

In the spring, Los Angeles is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Los Angeles in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Los Angeles usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Los Angeles gets 1 inches (25 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 Los Angeles