Should I Visit Orlando or Denver? Which is Better for Families, Food, and Nightlife? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Orlando or Denver?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Denver? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

How is Orlando different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Orlando or Denver better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Orlando a bit more than Denver.

The food selection is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. Restaurants can be challenging though, as reservations must be made months in advance.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denver. While you're in town you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Orlando or Denver better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in Orlando and Denver.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Orlando or Denver better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Orlando than Denver.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Is Orlando or Denver better for Public Transit?

Orlando and Denver both offer public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offers good access to much of Denver.

Is Orlando or Denver a more walkable city?

Orlando and Denver are similar when it comes to walkability.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

Denver is not a walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orlando and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Denver than Orlando.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Orlando is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Denver is 2-3 days.

How many days in Orlando or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay

Orlando 7

Denver 2-3

One day in Orlando or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Denver, you'll find skiing and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Denver?

Orlando is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Denver, you'll find nightlife and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Denver has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Denver is a great place to explore. 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 Orlando or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Denver. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Which city is cheaper, Denver or Orlando?

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

Orlando Prices

Denver Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Orlando $240

Denver $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $240, while the average daily cost in Denver is $174. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orlando and Denver in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Orlando $112

Denver $69
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Orlando $224

Denver $138

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Orlando $48

Denver $81

Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:

Parking

$14
Taxi Ride

$45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

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

Orlando Attractions Roundtrip Transfer: $19
Private Departure Transfer to Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB): $24
Private Arrival Transfer - from Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB): $24
Shared Orlando Cruise Port Transfer: Airport to Port: $32
Shared Orlando Cruise Port Transfer: Port to Airport: $32
Private Airport Transfer: from Orlando to Orlando International Airport (MCO): $39
Private Airport Transfer: Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Orlando: $39
Private Airport Transfer: from Orlando Int. Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World: $39
Disney World Resort to Orlando Airport MCO. Private Transfer Up to 4 pax: $45
Disney World or Universal Studios transfer to Orlando Airport MCO up to 4 pax: $45
Orlando (MCO) Airport transfer to / from Orlando area hotels (One Way) Regular: $52
Private Arrival Transfer: Orlando Airport to Hotel: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $1,592
Private Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Aspen: $1,321
Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $858
Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $809
Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $796
Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $672
Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Airport (DEN) to Vail city: $582
Private Transfer: Denver International Airport (DEN) to Vail: $576
Private Denver International Airport Transfer to Vail or Beaver Creek: $450
Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer: $429
Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $404
Private Denver International Airport Transfer to Breckenridge or Keystone: $400

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Orlando 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

Orlando $50

Denver $34

Typical Food prices in Orlando

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

Lunch for Two at Epcot

$29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

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

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $34
Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
Food Tour of Celebration: $55
Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57

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.

Small-Group Food Tour in Denver: $69
Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour: $73
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver: $77
Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo: $79
Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus: $97

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Orlando $163

Denver $42

Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

Universal Studios for Two

$110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
Port Canaveral Cruise shuttles: $15
Port Canaveral Cruise shuttles: $15
Factory Adventure Tour in Chocolate Kingdom: $18
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
Orlando Walking Ghost Tour: $20
1-Hour Haunted Walking Tour: $23
Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition Ticket: $24
Crayola Experience Orlando Ticket: $25
Lost Caverns Adventure Golf: $29
Skip the Line: Indoor Kart Racing Experience Ticket: $32
The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $37

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver: $25
Astrophotography Experience in the Colorado Rockies: $200
Best of Denver Tour: $64
Best of Denver Tour: $22
Bike and Brew Tour: $60
Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $115
Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour: $22
Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver: $53
Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
Denver Ghost Tour: $23
Denver Guided Sightseeing Tour on Motor Scooters: $112
Denver History and Highlights Small Group Tour: $35

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Orlando $24

Denver $4.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown: $26
Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo): $27
3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour: $49
Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71

About these numbers

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

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