A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Savannah vs. Aspen for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Savannah or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Savannah or Aspen? 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.

Savannah

Savannah is a charming, scenic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Aspen

Aspen is a authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Savannah and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Savannah or Aspen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Savannah, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Savannah is more popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Aspen is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Savannah different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for snow skiing. However, Savannah is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Savannah is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Savannah or Aspen?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Savannah or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Savannah has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.


Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Music?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for live music. However, Savannah is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Savannah is not a live music destination.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Savannah is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Savannah is not a resort destination.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah is a city with good options for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Savannah. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Aspen is not a beach destination.


Is Savannah or Aspen Better for its Old Town?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Savannah is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Aspen does not have a historic old town.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Savannah is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Savannah or Aspen?

Savannah
Aspen

Both Savannah and Aspen are excellent shopping destinations.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.


Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Savannah does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a world class destination during the Christmas season. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Savannah does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Savannah does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Aspen offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Savannah does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Families?

Savannah
Aspen

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Savannah or Aspen.

Savannah is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Aspen is a family-friendly city. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.


Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Couples?

Savannah
Aspen

With fun activities for couples, both Savannah and Aspen make for a excellent place to visit.

Savannah is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Savannah is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Students?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah is a city with good options for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Savannah is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Aspen is not popular with students.


Is Savannah or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Savannah
Aspen

Aspen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Savannah or Aspen a more walkable city?

Savannah
Aspen

Savannah and Aspen both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

Aspen is a very walkable city. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Savannah Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Savannah?

How long in Savannah or Aspen?

In either Savannah or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Savannah because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Savannah, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Savannah than Aspen 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 Savannah.


  • How many days in Savannah or Aspen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Savannah 1-3 
    Aspen 3-5

One day in Savannah or Aspen?

In Savannah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Savannah or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Savannah or Aspen?

Savannah is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Savannah. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Savannah or Aspen?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Savannah. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a great place to explore. 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. This ski town offers something for everyone.


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, Aspen or Savannah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Savannah is $160, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $293. 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 Savannah and Aspen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Savannah $84
    Aspen $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Savannah $168
    Aspen $340
Compare Hotels in Savannah and Aspen

Looking for a hotel in Savannah or Aspen? 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 Savannah


Hotels in Aspen


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: Savannah Hotel Prices and Aspen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Savannah $27
    Aspen $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $222
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $206
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $257
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $432
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:

  • Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $218
  • Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) - Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Savannah or Aspen?

Prices for flights to both Aspen and Savannah 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
    Savannah $58
    Aspen $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Savannah.

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Savannah $17
    Aspen $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • Old Squares GPS Audio Guided Walking Tour: $5.50
  • Self-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Savannah’s Historical District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Savannah Historical District: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in Savannah in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Johnson Square to Independent Presbyterian: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Savannah: $9.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Savannah by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Uncover Savannah's Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Uncover Savannah's Haunted Secrets: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Savannah Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Aspen

Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Highlights of Aspen Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $40
  • Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $40
  • Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $40
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Scenic Walking Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Savannah $34
    Aspen $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $20
  • Captain Stoner's Late Night Happy Hour Pub Crawl in Savannah: $22
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $22
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savannah Expensive? and Is Aspen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Savannah or Aspen?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Savannah and Aspen, 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.