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

Should you visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs? 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.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a outdoorsy, healthy, and welcoming mountain town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Raleigh and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Raleigh than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Raleigh, Raleigh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Raleigh is better known for its big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University. Also, Raleigh is famous for North Carolina State University. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Raleigh different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a mountain town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Raleigh or Colorado Springs.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Raleigh and Colorado Springs offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Raleigh area. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Colorado Springs. 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Raleigh and Colorado Springs.

Raleigh has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town 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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Raleigh or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

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

Raleigh is very popular with students. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

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

Neither Raleigh or Colorado Springs offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Raleigh and Colorado Springs both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Raleigh is generally not very walkable. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Raleigh. 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, 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

You'll find nightlife and food around the suburban-style city of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

Raleigh 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Raleigh. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Colorado Springs?

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.

Should I visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

Both Colorado Springs and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Raleigh is a little warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Raleigh in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Raleigh. In July, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and Raleigh during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Raleigh is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 61°F (16°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in October than Colorado Springs. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. Raleigh can get quite cold in the winter. Raleigh is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Raleigh or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Raleigh is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Raleigh in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Raleigh usually gets more rain in April than Colorado Springs. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Raleigh