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

Should you visit Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Colorado Springs can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for shopping, 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.

Phoenix and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Colorado Springs than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Colorado Springs is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its shopping. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. Also, Colorado Springs is famous for Pikes Peak.

How is Phoenix different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a skiing destination.

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Phoenix. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Phoenix and Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Phoenix has a few options to choose from. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Colorado Springs. 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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Colorado Springs visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

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

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is a great mountain town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Both Phoenix and Colorado Springs are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Phoenix is a good city for couples to visit. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Phoenix or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get 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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Phoenix and Colorado Springs are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Phoenix is generally not a very walkable city. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. 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 Phoenix Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Phoenix and Colorado Springs. In our opinion, Colorado Springs has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Colorado Springs than Phoenix. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.

Families should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Phoenix. 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.

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

One day in Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Phoenix. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. 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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the sprawling city of Phoenix. If you have a weekend, this city 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.

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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

Phoenix 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.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Colorado Springs?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. In the summer, Phoenix is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phoenix in July average around 98°F (36°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Phoenix usually gets less rain in July than Colorado Springs. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 79°F (26°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, Phoenix usually receives around the same amount of rain as Colorado Springs. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Phoenix or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Phoenix during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.

It's quite cold in Colorado Springs in the winter. Phoenix is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

Phoenix usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Colorado Springs. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Phoenix is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phoenix in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 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 Phoenix