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

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

Orlando and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • 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
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orlando or Denver?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Orlando than Denver. While Denver is larger than Orlando, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Denver attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and big city activities. Orlando is more touristy than Denver and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Orlando different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Denver Better for Skiing?

Orlando
Denver

Denver is a popular place for skiing. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Denver?

Orlando
Denver

Denver is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Denver Better for Theater?

Orlando
Denver

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Denver is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Denver is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando
Denver

Orlando is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Denver

The vibe at night is nice in both 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. 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 Orlando or Denver Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Denver

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

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Denver Better for Hiking?

Orlando
Denver

Denver is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Denver is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Denver?

Orlando
Denver

Orlando is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Orlando or Denver Better for Christmas?

Orlando
Denver

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Denver does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Denver does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Denver Better for Families?

Orlando
Denver

Orlando is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Denver is a family-friendly 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 Orlando or Denver Better for Couples?

Orlando
Denver

With fun activities for couples, both Orlando and Denver make for a nice place to visit.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Orlando or Denver Better for Students?

Orlando
Denver

For students, both Orlando and Denver are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Denver is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Orlando
Denver

Denver is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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


Is Orlando or Denver a more walkable city?

Orlando
Denver

Neither Orlando or Denver are walkable places.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

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 in Orlando. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Orlando 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 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 shopping and skiing. 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 skiing and nightlife. 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 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 family-friendly 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. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Denver. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $321, 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 Orlando and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Orlando 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 Orlando


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Denver $101
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:

  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Area Hotels to Orlando Airport (MCO): $19
  • Orlando Airport: Private Transfer to-from Disney & Universal: $30
  • One Way Private Transfer from MCO to Orlando Hotels : $31
  • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Transfers: $34
  • Train Transfer to Miami: $39
  • Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) to Sanford - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Sanford to Orlando Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Private transfer Orlando Airport - Hotels in Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer between Disney and Universal: $47
  • Private Transfer to Disney Area Hotels from MCO airport: $48
  • Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Orlando to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Denver Airport Transfer To/From Aspen for 6-14 Sprinter Van: $1,950
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Snowmass/Aspen - Arrival Private Transfer: $300
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer: $289
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $257
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $242
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Vail/Beaver Creek/Avon - Arrival Transfer: $222
  • Denver Airport (BJC) to Beaver Creek Ski Resort -Arrival Transfer: $222
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer : $222
  • Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
  • Denver Airport to Breckenridge/Keystone/Copper - Arrival Transfer: $200
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $196
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $178

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 $65
    Denver $42
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: $38
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
  • Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
  • Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
  • Mango's LIVE! - Dinner & Show: $72
  • Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
  • Teatro Martini Dinner Show in Orlando: $79
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

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.
    Orlando $204
    Denver $52
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.

  • Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
  • Orlando Self-Guided Historic App/GPS Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Orlando by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
  • Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
  • 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
  • Winter Park Scavenger Hunt: Winter Park Adventure: $12
  • Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Orlando, FL: $15
  • Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $15

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Colorado Green Friendly Mountain Sunset Tour from Denver: $79
  • Denver's Wild West Walking Tour & Ballpark Museum : $24
  • Shared Golden's History Wagon Ride Tour in Colorado: $65
  • Small-Group Cocktail Tour in Denver: $99
  • 1-Hour Ghost Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear in Cheeseman Park: $25
  • 1.5 Hour RiNo Art District Walking Tour: $28
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
  • 3 Hour Private Walking Tour in Denver with Professional Guide: $232
  • 3 Hour Whiskey and History Tour: $99
  • Archery Dodgeball - 75 Minute Indoor Experience: $31
  • Beginner Rock Climbing Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85
  • Happy Hour Downtown Pub Crawl: $170
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300

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 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.

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


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Denver?

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