A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America South Lake Tahoe vs. Colorado Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit South Lake Tahoe or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between South Lake Tahoe 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.

Where Should I go: South Lake Tahoe or Colorado Springs?

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the largest town on the famous Lake Tahoe that straddles the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Mountain Range. Located just south of Reno, Nevada and about 2 hours east of Sacramento, the Lake Tahoe area is easily accessible to many visitors.

Lake Tahoe is known for skiing and other winter sports, as well as plenty of warm weather activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, mountain biking, and more.

South Lake Tahoe has plenty of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shopping. This is a good town to base yourself if you're looking to explore the area, as it has a large number of amenities.

Located on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe is the town of Stateline. Here you can find some casinos, as gambling is legal in Nevada.

If you're looking to go skiing or snowboarding, the Heavenly Ski Resort can be found on the southern edge of the town of South Lake Tahoe. Naturally, more ski resorts are located around the lake as well.

As swimming is also popular, several beach areas are on the southern section of the lake including the Regan Memorial City Beach, Lakeside Beach, Pope Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, and the Edgewood Resort area (on the Nevada side).

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is the second largest city in the state of Colorado. It is located in the northeastern tip of the south central region of the state and is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and alpine trees. It is also referred to as "America's Olympic City" because it is the location of the United States Olympic Training Center.

Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs or South Lake Tahoe?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in South Lake Tahoe is $118, 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 South Lake Tahoe and Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    South Lake Tahoe $54
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    South Lake Tahoe $108
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in South Lake Tahoe and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe 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.

Hotels in South Lake Tahoe


Hotels in Colorado Springs


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: South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    South Lake Tahoe $24
    Colorado Springs $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific examples of transportation prices in South Lake Tahoe:

  • Departure Transfer Northstar/Squaw Valley to Reno Tahoe Airport: $35
  • Heavenly Mountain to Reno Tahoe Airport RNO - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Heavenly Mountain to Sacramento Airport SMF, Departure Transfer: $220
  • Northstar/Squaw Valley to Sacramento Airport - Departure Transfer: $220
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley-Round-Trip Transfer: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Winter Park Ski Resort to Denver Airport BJC Departure Transfer: $93
  • Snowmass/Aspen to Eagle County Reg. Airport - Departure Transfer: $132
  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $132
  • Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to Pagosa Springs-Arrival Transfer: $175
  • Colorado Springs COS to Pagosa Springs - Round-Trip Transfer: $175
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $176
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Round Trip Transfer: $187
  • Private Transfer from Beaver Creek Ski Resort to Denver Airport: $220
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Vail/Beaver Creek Private Transfer: $220
  • Rocky Mountain Metropolitan (BJC) to Steamboat-Arrival Transfer: $231
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $263
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Steamboat - Private Arrival Transfer: $285

Is it cheaper to fly into South Lake Tahoe or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $38
    Colorado Springs $45

Typical Food prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

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

  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $79
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    South Lake Tahoe $56
    Colorado Springs $34

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village: $9.99
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City: $12
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
  • Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $25
  • Introductory Snowshoe Shared Experience: $55
  • Tahoe National Forest Moonlight Snowshoe Tour Under a Starry Sky: $60
  • Full Day Self-Guided Bike Tour of Lake Tahoe: $69
  • Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
  • Sunset Kayak Experience in Lake Tahoe: $75
  • Kayak Tour of Historic Lake Tahoe West Shore: $80

Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs

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

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Colorado Springs by 3Quest Challenge: $8.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Colorado Springs by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Mesa Verde National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Crime Solving Detective Experience Loveland: $15
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Pueblo Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Colorado Springs Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Puzzling Adventures Loveland: $35
  • The Cat's Meow Silverton Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $35
  • Fort Collins Military Years Tour: $40
  • Fort Collins Early Settlement/Town Beginnings Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    South Lake Tahoe $34
    Colorado Springs $24

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

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

  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Colorado Springs

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Colorado Springs:

  • 2.5-Hour Brewery & Bites Walking Tour: $84
  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour: $89

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, South Lake Tahoe or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is bigger, and its population is about 15.1 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the population of South Lake Tahoe vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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South Lake Tahoe vs. Colorado Springs Travel Comparison

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