A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. Denver for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or Denver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and Denver 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

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, skiing, and food.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Pocono Mountains and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Denver than Pocono Mountains, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Denver is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Denver and is known for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. Also, Denver is famous for Red Rocks Park.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for snow skiing. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

People head to Pocono Mountains specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and 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.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. 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.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

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.

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

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

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 Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Denver is a city 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 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.

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.


Is Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Pocono Mountains makes a nice vacation spot. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Both Pocono Mountains and Denver are notable shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

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 Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Denver is a family-friendly region. 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 Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Denver is a good region for couples to visit. 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 Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pocono Mountains is a great region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.


Is Pocono Mountains or Denver Better for Students?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for students. However, Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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.

Pocono Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Denver is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Denver a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains
Denver

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Denver is not a very walkable region. 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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pocono Mountains and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Denver. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pocono Mountains, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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.


  • How many days in Pocono Mountains or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pocono Mountains 3-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the sprawling destination of Denver. 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.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Pocono Mountains 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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the accessible city of Denver. 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.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Denver 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.


A week in Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Denver 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Pocono Mountains?

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 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 Pocono Mountains and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pocono Mountains $89
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pocono Mountains $178
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Pocono Mountains and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains


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: Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pocono Mountains $49
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Arrival Transfer - Denver International Airport (DEN) : $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN): $44
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver International Airport(DEN) to Downtown: $86
  • Transfer in private minivan from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN): $86
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $109
  • Private One-way Denver Airport Transfer To/From Denver: $114
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Denver International Airport: $125
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Arrival Private Transfer: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury SUV: $137
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pocono Mountains $53
    Denver $42

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 : Paella Cooking Class With Local Chef: $55
  • Denver : Hands-on Cooking Classes With Chef Kevin: $55
  • 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.
    Pocono Mountains $30
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

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

  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $64
  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Discover A Walking Tour of Denver's Top Sights: $5.00
  • Denver’s Downtown: Past and Present In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure on Your Phone: $10
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $14
  • Colorado Rockies Baseball Game Ticket at Coors Field: $14
  • Denver Botanic Gardens General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear: $18
  • History and Architecture Walking Tours: $20
  • Holiday Lights & History Walking Tour: $24
  • Museum of Nature and Science Admission Ticket: $25
  • All Ages Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pocono Mountains $13
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden: $65
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
  • Guided Downtown Denver Walking Wine Tour: $190


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

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 Denver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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.