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

Should you visit New Bern or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Colorado Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and nightlife.

New Bern and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • 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
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak


Is there more to do in New Bern or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Colorado Springs. Although New Bern and Colorado Springs are both popular with visitors, Colorado Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its shopping and small town charm. New Bern is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for being the birthplace of Pepsi. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. It is also home to Pikes Peak.

How is New Bern different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, New Bern is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

New Bern is not a skiing destination.


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

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Both New Bern and Colorado Springs have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy 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 the Food Better in New Bern or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

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

New Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

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 New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.


Is New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Colorado Springs?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

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

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.


Is New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

With fun activities for couples, both New Bern and Colorado Springs make for a good place to visit.

New Bern is a nice destination for couples. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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 New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

Is New Bern or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a popular place for students. However, New Bern is not popular with students.

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

New Bern is not popular with students.


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

New Bern
Colorado Springs

Neither New Bern or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

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 New Bern or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

New Bern
Colorado Springs

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

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable town. 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 New Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both New Bern and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Colorado Springs than in New Bern. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than New Bern 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 New Bern or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Bern 1-2 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in New Bern or Colorado Springs?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 New Bern or Colorado Springs?

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Colorado Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Colorado Springs?

New Bern 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 New Bern or Colorado Springs?

New Bern is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or New Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in New Bern is $140, 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 New Bern and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Bern $76
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Bern $152
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in New Bern and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in New Bern 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 New Bern


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: New Bern Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Bern $34
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $186
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $218
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport to Snowmass -Arrival Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass Ski Resort to BJC Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Airport DEN - Departure Private Transfer: $295
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Denver Centennial Airport - Departure Transfer: $295
  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into New Bern or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and New Bern 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
    New Bern $41
    Colorado Springs $45

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.
    New Bern $26
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Colorado Springs by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Garden of the Gods: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Loveland, CO: $15
  • Colorado: A Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $24
  • Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods : $25
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Puzzling Adventures Loveland: $35
  • Fort Collins Military Years Tour: $40
  • Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour: $40
  • Astronomy Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Bern $30
    Colorado Springs $24

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


When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 New Bern Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New Bern or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of New Bern. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit New Bern or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Bern is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Bern 80°F (27°C) 
    Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and New Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to New Bern for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, New Bern is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 48°F (9°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Bern 65°F (18°C) 
    Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to New Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. In January, New Bern is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, New Bern usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Bern 44°F (7°C) 
    Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)

Should I visit New Bern or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to New Bern for the small town charm during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

New Bern is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

New Bern usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Bern 62°F (16°C) 
    Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and New Bern

New Bern Colorado Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Apr 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 45°F (7°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
May 69°F (21°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Jun 76°F (25°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (169 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Aug 79°F (26°C) 7.6 inches (192 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 48°F (9°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 0.3 inches (8 mm)