Denver is a sprawling city known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Denver?
You should plan to spend around $248 per day on your vacation in Denver. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $73 on meals
- $101 on local transportation
- $173 on hotels
A one week trip to Denver for two people costs, on average, $3,472. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,736
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,472
-
One Month
Per person
$7,440
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,472
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,944
-
One Month
For a couple
$14,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Denver cost?
A one week trip to Denver usually costs around $1,736 for one person and $3,472 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Denver on average costs around $3,472 for one person and $6,944 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Denver will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Denver on average costs around $7,440 for one person and $14,880 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Denver expensive to visit?
Denver is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Denver can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including taking public transit and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $102 per day, mid-range travelers spend $248 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $614 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Denver.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Denver is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Mystic or Cape Canaveral.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Denver Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Denver?
The average Denver trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Denver travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Denver cost?
Denver on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$34
|
$87
|
$223
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$36
|
$101
|
$317
|
|
Food 2
|
$31
|
$73
|
$147
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$22
|
$52
|
$113
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
|
$3-8
|
$3-8
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Denver, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
Denver on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $102 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Denver features plenty of hostels, such as Ember Hostel, Hostel Fish, and 11th Avenue Hostel. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Many visitors to Denver are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $248 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Denver. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Denver here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $614 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Denver
In Denver, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $167, but during peak season they jump to an average of $312. You can find budget options starting at $113 up to luxury rates at $536. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Denver for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $173. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $87 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Denver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Denver include:
- Capitol Hill Mansion Bed and Breakfast Inn starting at $228
- Hotel Teatro starting at $259
- Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens starting at $222
- Kimpton Hotel Born starting at $288
- Grand Hyatt Denver starting at $210
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Denver thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
As ski season approaches, prices may rise, so it's a good idea to book ahead. Many places close to the slopes tend to fill up fast and can be rather pricey.
Transportation Budget in Denver
The public transit in Denver is quite good and serves many major spots. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.
Unfortunately, the city is not very walkable. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $101 per person, per day, on local transportation in Denver. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Denver is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$101
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Hot Ski Resorts for $65 details
- Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer for $140 details
- Private Departure Transfer to Denver Airport (DEN) for $44 details
How much does it cost to go to Denver? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Denver will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Denver
Food choices in Denver are few and not the best. It's advisable to save your money for experiences that offer more value than dining out. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Denver can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Denver is $73 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$73
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Denver is around $73 ($73) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $147. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Denver are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Restaurants are abundant and food is generally quite good in Denver. There are a variety of local specialties with Green Chili being a favorite. It's a brown, thick sauce that is made with pork and Pueblo green chilies. It can be served with almost anything including chorizo, eggs, or tamales. Other local dishes often include ingredients such as angus beef, buffalo, cutthroat trout and Rocky Mountain oysters. Some restaurants may even have rattlesnake on the menu.
Mexican restaurants are ubiquitous around town and usually one of the more affordable options. You can really find cuisine from all over the world with Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese all available.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Denver. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner Food Tour in RiNo Denver for $99 details
- Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour for $80 details
- Downtown Denver Food Tour for $80 details
Food and meal prices in Denver, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Denver
It's understandable that travelers choose Denver, as it is famous for skiing, nightlife, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Denver typically cost an average of $52 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$52
Denver is really a collection of nice neighborhoods, many of which are fun to explore on their own. The city has many parks and green space, and being outside is an essential part of a trip to Denver. Popular museums in the city include the Byers-Evans House Museum, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Black American West Museum, the Chamberlin Observatory, and Molly Brown House Museum. Popular parks around town include City Park, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Botanic Gardens, Washington Park, Cheesman Park, and Confluence Park. A visit to the Denver State Capitol is also enjoyable. Make sure you take in most or all of these sites if you have 3 days in Denver.
Denver really is a city for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor areas in town and just outside of the city that are worth exploring. There are also a handful of amusement parks and sporting events that you can attend.
There are festivals in town almost year around so check out a schedule before you visit to see what's going on. While festivals are most common during the summer months, events occur in the winter months as well that are well worth a trip.
If you're looking for cultural activities, or if the weather isn't great, then there are some shows or concerts you can enjoy. Check out the Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Opera Colorado.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Denver. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at Lone Tree for $42 details
- Explore the Colorado Rockies with an Adventure Photographer for $159 details
- Rock-Climbing Adventure in Colorado's Front Range for $140 details
Nightlife Budget in Denver
While Denver offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.31 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Denver per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.31
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Denver. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden for $65 details
- Golden Ghosts & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl for $45 details
- Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert for $74 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 7, 2024
Traveling in Denver
Denver, Colorado
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
The city's climate is temperate and sunny days are common. There are four distinct seasons. During the winter months snowstorms are common but temperatures are usually warmer than the New England region of the United States. Spring is pleasant, although snow can occur well into April. Summer begins in June and temperatures rise quickly. Highs during the summer months can reach the high 80's or mid 90's. Fall begins in early September and temperatures drop rapidly.
Neighborhoods & Around
Older, more historic neighborhoods in Denver include Washington Park, Platt Park, Highlands, West Highlands, Congress Park, and City Park West. Other neighborhoods near downtown include Capitol Hill, Uptown, Cheesman Park, South Broadway, and Baker.
If you're hoping to do some shopping there are several areas you can check out including the 16th Street Mall, the Cherry Creek Shopping District, the Lower Downtown area, Larimer Square, and Colfax Avenue.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.