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

Should you visit Memphis or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, museums, and nightlife.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak


Is there more to do in Memphis or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Memphis than Colorado Springs. Memphis is bigger than Colorado Springs, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Memphis is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Memphis different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a skiing destination.


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

Memphis
Colorado Springs

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Colorado Springs and Memphis.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Memphis. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Colorado Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Foodies will find both Memphis and Colorado Springs both to be notable destinations.

Memphis is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Colorado Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

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

The people in Memphis know how to have a good time. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

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

Memphis is a world class music destination. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Memphis is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great mountain town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Memphis and Colorado Springs are both notable to visit as a couple.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.


Is Memphis or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

For students, both Memphis and Colorado Springs are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

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

Memphis
Colorado Springs

Memphis 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Memphis
Colorado Springs

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Memphis and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Memphis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Memphis than Colorado Springs. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Memphis or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Memphis 2-3 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Memphis or Colorado Springs?

You'll find live music and food around the laid-back destination of Memphis. 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.

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 Memphis or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and museums around the laid-back city of Memphis. 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Memphis 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Memphis 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Memphis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Memphis is $167, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $155. 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 Memphis and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Memphis $84
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Memphis $168
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Memphis and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Memphis or Colorado Springs? 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 Memphis


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: Memphis Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Memphis $59
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

Also for Memphis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Greater Memphis To MEM International Airport - Luxury Transfer: $95
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60
  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Steamboat - Private Arrival Transfer: $284
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $218
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $185
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Eagle County Reg. Airport - Departure Transfer: $131
  • Winter Park Ski Resort to Denver Airport BJC Departure Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Memphis 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
    Memphis $43
    Colorado Springs $45
Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

For Memphis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Memphis $45
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Beale Street: $6.50
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Memphis Music Hall of Fame Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Downtown In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Entry Ticket to the Edge Motor Museum: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Memphis by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Rock 'n' Soul Museum with Audio Tour: $11
  • Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis: $15
  • 1-Hour Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Memphis Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

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

  • 1-Hour Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $72
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $72
  • 2 Hour 15 Minute Aerial Adventure Park in Bailey: $69
  • 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $108
  • 3 Hours Private Ice Climbing Experience in Colorado: $240
  • Astronomy Tour: $45
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $245
  • Broadmoor Hotel History Segway Tour: $78
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $78
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Memphis $26
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Memphis

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Memphis:

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $59
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $62

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $93
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $94
  • Driving Brewery Tour of Colorado Springs: $115


When comparing the travel costs between Memphis and Colorado Springs, we can see that Memphis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Memphis or Colorado Springs?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Memphis as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Memphis for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Memphis is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Memphis in July average around 83°F (29°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Memphis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Colorado Springs. Memphis gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Memphis 83°F (29°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Memphis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Memphis because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, 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.

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

In October, Memphis usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Memphis gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Memphis during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Memphis this time of year. Also, 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 Memphis in the winter. Memphis is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Memphis averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Memphis usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Memphis gets 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Memphis 40°F (5°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit Memphis or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Memphis and Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Memphis 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 the spring, Memphis is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Memphis in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Memphis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Memphis usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Memphis gets 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Memphis 64°F (18°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Memphis

Memphis Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 45°F (7°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 83°F (29°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)