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

Should you visit Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

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

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

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a friendly, outdoorsy, and healthy mountain town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and museums.

Philadelphia and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Colorado Springs. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Philadelphia is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Philadelphia different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

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

Colorado Springs is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Philadelphia is not a skiing destination.

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia that are not to be missed. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Theater?

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

Philadelphia has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Colorado Springs is not a theatre destination.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Philadelphia makes for a great culinary experience. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

Philadelphia is a great destination for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is very good for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Philadelphia to see the historical old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

Philadelphia is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Philadelphia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia offers some nice Christmas markets. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Colorado Springs does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Philadelphia and Colorado Springs are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Colorado Springs is known to be 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.

Is Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Philadelphia and Colorado Springs are both nice to visit as a couple.

Philadelphia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Colorado Springs is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Philadelphia and Colorado Springs are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Philadelphia. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Colorado Springs is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Philadelphia is a great destination for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Philadelphia is a great destination for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is terrific for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Philadelphia?

How long in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. 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, many people enjoy the food and museums that this outdoorsy mountain town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

People visit Philadelphia because there is so much to do. 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 museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Colorado Springs is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

Philadelphia 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

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

Colorado Springs is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Philadelphia and Colorado Springs, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Philadelphia or Colorado Springs?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Philadelphia during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Philadelphia is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 77°F (25°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. Philadelphia usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Philadelphia gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Philadelphia and Colorado Springs. The autumn months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Philadelphia is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Philadelphia averages around 56°F (14°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Philadelphia gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Philadelphia as well as Colorado Springs. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia in the winter. In the winter, Philadelphia is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Philadelphia in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).

Philadelphia usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Philadelphia gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Philadelphia or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Philadelphia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Philadelphia is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Philadelphia average around 52°F (11°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In April, Philadelphia usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Philadelphia gets 2.8 inches (70 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 Philadelphia