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

Should you visit San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a quirky, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, theater, 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.

San Francisco and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Colorado Springs. San Francisco is bigger than Colorado Springs, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing and small town charm. San Francisco is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is San Francisco different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a skiing destination.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco that are not to be missed. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for theatre. However, Colorado Springs is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Colorado Springs is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities San Francisco has a few options to choose from. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Music?

San Francisco is very good for live music. However, Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Colorado Springs is not a live music destination.

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great destination for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

San Francisco and Colorado Springs are both places where visitors can find terrific hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

San Francisco is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Colorado Springs is very family-friendly. 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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

San Francisco is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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.

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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.

Is San Francisco or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

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

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable coastal 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 San Francisco Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

People visit San Francisco because there is so much to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

San Francisco 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Colorado Springs. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

San Francisco 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Colorado Springs?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Colorado Springs. Most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Francisco is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Francisco in July average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in July than Colorado Springs. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

Both Colorado Springs and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, 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.

In October, San Francisco is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 63°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In October, San Francisco usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Francisco or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and San Francisco during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco 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. San Francisco is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

San Francisco usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, 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 the spring, San Francisco is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Francisco in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In April, San Francisco usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 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 San Francisco