Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Pocono Mountains?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains 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.
Pocono Mountains is a magnificent, relaxing, and scenic region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and skiing.
Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, and shopping, while Colorado Springs attracts visitors for its nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls. Colorado Springs is famous for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Pocono Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for skiing.
Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.
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.
Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs.
Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Colorado Springs. 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.
Both Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.
Colorado Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.
Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.
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.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.
Pocono Mountains is very good for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.
Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.
Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.
Colorado Springs is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.
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.
Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.
Pocono Mountains is very good for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for shopping. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.
Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Both Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs are superb to visit with kids.
Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.
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.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
Couples visit Pocono Mountains frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.
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.
Pocono Mountains is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.
It's common for backpackers to 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.
Colorado Springs is a mountain town with good options for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.
Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.
Pocono Mountains is a region 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way 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.
Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs both are reasonable when exploring on foot.
Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.
Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable region. 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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Colorado Springs. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Colorado Springs.
Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Colorado Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.
You'll find food and shopping around the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the healthy destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic region of Pocono Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
You'll find nightlife and food around the welcoming mountain town of Colorado Springs. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.
Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $174, 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 Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:
Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Pocono Mountains 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:
Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:
When comparing the travel costs between Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.
Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Pocono Mountains is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 75°F (24°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
Pocono Mountains gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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.
Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).
Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Colorado Springs and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, 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. The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. In the winter, Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pocono Mountains in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 26°F (-3°C).
In January, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Colorado Springs and Pocono Mountains during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Pocono Mountains is generally a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 51°F (11°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Pocono Mountains | Colorado Springs | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 28°F (-2°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
Feb | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
Mar | 41°F (5°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
Apr | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
May | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
Jun | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (106 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
Sep | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
Oct | 55°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |