Which city is cheaper, Colorado Springs or Washington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Colorado Springs for Nightlife, Families, and Couples
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Should you visit Washington or Colorado Springs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Colorado Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.
Washington
Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. 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 nightlife, live music, and food.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife.
Washington and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons
Washington
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Colorado Springs
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
How is Washington different from Colorado Springs?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Colorado Springs and Washington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Washington or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?
Washington
Colorado Springs
The vibe at night is comparable in Washington and Colorado Springs.
Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Head into Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington to enjoy some of the area's best nightlife.
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.
Is Washington or Colorado Springs Better for Families?
Washington
Colorado Springs
You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Colorado Springs.
Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world.
Colorado Springs is a very kid-friendly city. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. Popular activities include Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Is Washington or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?
Washington
Colorado Springs
Both Washington and Colorado Springs are good destinations to visit as a couple.
Washington is a nice destination for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show.
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.
Is Washington or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit?
Washington
Colorado Springs
Washington has better public transit to get you around.
With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
Public transit is limited or non-existant 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 Washington or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?
Washington
Colorado Springs
Washington is generally more walkable than Colorado Springs.
Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
Colorado Springs is generally not very walkable. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.
Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Washington?
How long in Washington or Colorado Springs?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Colorado Springs. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than Colorado Springs.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Washington is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Colorado Springs is 2-3 days.
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How many days in Washington or Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of StayWashington 3-7Colorado Springs 2-3
One day in Washington or Colorado Springs?
People visit Washington because there is so much to do. 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.
With nightlife around the friendly mountain town of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Washington or Colorado Springs?
People visit Washington because there is so much to do. 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.
With nightlife around the destination of Colorado Springs, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town.
Five days in Washington or Colorado Springs?
Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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.
Colorado Springs, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Washington or Colorado Springs?
Washington is a great place to explore. 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.
Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $155Colorado Springs $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $155, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $124. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Colorado Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $91Colorado Springs $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $182Colorado Springs $130
Compare Hotels in Washington and Colorado Springs
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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.
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: Washington Hotel Prices and Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $37Colorado Springs $31
Typical Local Transportation prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to and from Dulles International IAD Airport: $160
- BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $200
- DCA Private 1-Way Transfer from D.C. City Center Hotels: $97
- DCA to D.C. City Center Hotels: 1-Way Private Transfer: $102
- Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $118
- Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $154
- Departure Private Transfers : Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $154
- Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Business Car: $119
- Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $151
- Departure Private Transfers: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $159
- Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $72
- Departure Private Transfers: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Colorado Springs?
Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs and Washington 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
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Food Meals for one dayWashington $30Colorado Springs $36
Typical Food prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Seattle: Pike Place Market Plant-Based Food Tour: $64
- Washington D.C.: 3.5-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $65
- Washington DC: 3-Hour Italian Food Tour: $65
- Washington DC Food Tour: Italian Cuisine in Dupont Circle: $65
- Washington, DC: The Original Brew Tour with Tasting & Dinner: $70
- Adams Morgan Food Tour: $76
- Washington DC: Private Food Tour Experience: $79
- Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $79
- U Street Neighborhood Food Tour: $99
- Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise: $100
- Private French Cooking Class with an Expert in the Heart of Washington DC: $108
- Washington, DC 3-Hour Dinner Buffet Cruise: $122
Typical Food prices in Colorado Springs
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:
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Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)$22
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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.
- The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Colorado Springs: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Washington $19Colorado Springs $27
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Tidal Basin: Stroll around the cherry blossoms and monuments on an audio tour: $5.00
- The National Mall: Discover the monuments and their memories on an audio tour: $5.00
- Lincoln's Assassination: Explore Lincoln's final day on this audio walking tour: $5.55
- The Kennedy Homes: Explore the colonial architecture on this audio walking tour: $5.55
- Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Washington DC Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Virtual Tour of Martin Luther King Memorial: $18
- Virtual Tour African American Heritage in Washington DC: $19
- Washington, DC: US Capitol Building Entry with 1-Hour Tour: $20
- City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $21
- DC Ghost Tour: $24
- Advance Tickets to Washington, D.C.'s Newseum: $24
Tours and Activities in Colorado Springs
Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $99
- Broadmoor History Segway Tour: $69
- Old West High County 4x4 Tour: $187
- Combo Course Zipline Tour: $232
- Fins Course Scenic Zipline Tour: $164
- Garden of the Gods Segway Tour through Juniper Loop: $118
- Jeep Tour - Foothills & Garden of the Gods: $107
- Lovell Gulch Hike with Experienced Guide: $99
- Old West High Country 4X4 Jeep Tour: $180
- Scenic Bike Tour Of Colorado Springs: $99
- Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $69
- Woods Course Zipline Tour in Seven Falls: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWashington $15Colorado Springs $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
- Washington DC: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
- DC: 'New York Times Journeys' Walking Tour with Beer, Cheese and Wine Tasting: $120
- Seattle All-Inclusive: Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting: $278
- NOVA Private Custom Wine Tours & Tasting from DMV: $645
- 6 Hours Northern VA Wine Tour: $920
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Colorado Springs, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Colorado Springs.
When is the best time to visit Washington 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 Washington or Colorado Springs in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Colorado Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Colorado Springs this time of year.
Washington is a little warmer than Colorado Springs in the summer. The temperature in Washington is usually 79°F (26°C) in July, and Colorado Springs stays around 71°F (22°C).
Washington usually gets more rain in July than Colorado Springs. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Colorado Springs 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Washington or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?
Both Colorado Springs and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Washington is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October are around 60°F (15°C), and Colorado Springs is about 48°F (9°C).
In October, Washington usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Colorado Springs 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Washington or Colorado Springs in the Winter?
Both Colorado Springs and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the winter for the skiing.
Colorado Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, Washington is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Colorado Springs stays around 26°F (-3°C).
Washington usually gets more rain in January than Colorado Springs. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Colorado Springs 26°F (-3°C)
Should I visit Washington or Colorado Springs in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Colorado Springs. Many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the natural beauty during these months.
Washington is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the spring. The temperature in Washington is usually 56°F (14°C) in April, and Colorado Springs stays around 45°F (7°C).
In April, Washington usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Colorado Springs 45°F (7°C)
Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Washington
| Washington | Colorado Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 45°F (7°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 64°F (18°C) | 1.9 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 48°F (9°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.3 inches (8 mm) |
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