Aspen is a charming ski town known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. 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. This will help you plan the best trip to Aspen and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're skiing on the slopes, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Aspen?
You should plan to spend around $355 per day on your vacation in Aspen. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $146 on meals
- $56 on local transportation
- $339 on hotels
A one week trip to Aspen for two people costs, on average, $4,970. 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.
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One Week
Per person
$2,485
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2 Weeks
Per person
$4,970
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One Month
Per person
$10,650
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One Week
For a couple
$4,970
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,940
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One Month
For a couple
$21,300
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Aspen cost?
A one week trip to Aspen usually costs around $2,485 for one person and $4,970 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Aspen on average costs around $4,970 for one person and $9,940 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 Aspen will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Aspen on average costs around $10,650 for one person and $21,300 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Aspen expensive to visit?
Aspen is a well-known ski town that captivates a variety of travelers with diverse travel preferences and spending patterns. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Aspen can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $155 per day, mid-range travelers spend $355 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $677 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Aspen.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Aspen is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Sarasota or New York City.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Aspen Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Aspen?
The average Aspen trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Aspen travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Aspen cost?
Aspen on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$74
|
$170
|
$324
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$25
|
$56
|
$104
|
|
Food 2
|
$64
|
$146
|
$279
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$20
|
$45
|
$86
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
|
$10-30
|
$19-57
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Aspen, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Aspen on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $155 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Aspen, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most people who travel to Aspen will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $355 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $677 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the ski town will require a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Aspen
The prices for hotels in Aspen can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $514, while during peak winter season, that average price jumps to around $959. With budget accommodations starting at $277 and luxury hotels peaking at $1,896, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Aspen for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $339. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $170 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Aspen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Aspen include:
- The Gant starting at $245
- Villas at Snowmass Club A Destination Residence starting at $293
- Top Of The Village A Destination Residence starting at $274
- Hearthstone House Aspen starting at $266
- Hotel Durant starting at $255
Thanks to Aspen's great public transit, staying outside the ski town is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
In this ski town, you'll have a variety of resorts to select from. You might find accommodations that include meals, or at least breakfast, with many having onsite dining.
If you're honeymooning in Aspen, luxury hotels are a must, with some of the best choices being The Gant, Villas at Snowmass Club A Destination Residence, and Mountain Chalet Aspen.
Many people spend up to a week in Aspen. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid winter, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Aspen draws a lot of visitors, but because it's smaller than other destinations, hotels can be hard to come by. Make sure to book ahead if you're planning to go during winter.
Exploring Aspen on foot is a popular choice, so it's wise to find a place in the center of it all. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
During the ski season, prices often escalate, so make sure to book ahead. Many accommodations with easy slope access can sell out quickly and may be on the pricey side.
Transportation Budget in Aspen
Aspen has a good public transit system that reaches some of the major sights. There are several shuttle buses around the town. If you want to save money and get around quickly, the public transit is the way to go if it's conveniently located to where you're going. Also, you'll find taxis and rideshare services around town.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $56 per person, per day, on local transportation in Aspen. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Aspen is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$56
If you're traveling by car, check that your hotel offers convenient parking options.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer for $216 details
How much does it cost to go to Aspen? 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 Aspen 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 Aspen
You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Aspen. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Aspen can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Aspen is $146 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$146
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Aspen is around $146 ($146) per person, with previous travelers spending from $64 to $279. 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 Aspen are as follows:
- Breakfast: $15 to $44
- Lunch: $22 to $58
- Dinner: $44 to $102
- Coffee: $12
- Fast Food or Street Food: $22
As a world class ski destination, you can expect world class dining in Aspen. The area has a wide range of restaurants to choose from that serve diverse types of cuisines. Restaurants range from casual sandwich shops to fine dining at its best. There are also grocery stores in town so budget travelers enjoy picking up supplies and preparing their own meals.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Aspen
Visitors find Aspen irresistible, especially for its skiing, food, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Aspen typically cost an average of $45 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$45
Aspen is all about skiing, but the town and surrounding natural beauty is a destination in and of itself. There are a number of natural protected areas in the region with great hiking and beautiful landscapes. Several places worth visiting include John Denver Sanctuary, which has a refreshing creek, Maroon Bells, which is one of the most photographed landscapes in the area, and Independence Pass, which takes you by the Continental Divide.
Skiing is the obvious activity of choice for visitors to Aspen, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other things to enjoy. Hiking is popular, particularly during the warmer months and there are countless trails in the area. Other popular activities include mountain biking, golf, white water rafting, festivals and concerts, and touring historic mines.
Skiing:
The skiing and snowboarding in Aspen are some of the main attractions here. 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.
Music:
Aspen has a well-known music scene that draws a sizable crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.
Hiking:
Adventurers will find the hiking around Aspen to be excellent. 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.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.
A nice way to explore destinations in Aspen is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:
- Highlights of Aspen Tour for $40 details
- Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour for $40 details
- Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour for $40 details
Nightlife Budget in Aspen
In Aspen, the nightlife buzzes with energy, and visitors love to spend their evenings enjoying the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $20 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Aspen per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Traveling in Aspen
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a famous, and notably expensive travel destination. The town is one of the country's most famous and recognizable ski destinations, and prices can climb high during the ski season. Although still expensive, you can often find better deals during the summer months or shoulder seasons. For visitors who want to enjoy the area's hiking, natural beauty, and charm, these are the times to visit.
But for many, Aspen is a ski destination. It's known for its challenging slopes and diverse terrain. There are many lessons available for beginners or intermediates, so don't be afraid of the challenging reputation that Aspen is known for. There really is something for everyone.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most people think of Aspen as one town and destination, but there are actually four ski resorts in the area - Aspen Mountain (or Ajax), Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. Most people refer to the entire area as Aspen Snowmass.
The Town of Aspen sits at the foot of Aspen Mountain. About five kilometers away are Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk and Snowmass is about 16 kilometers to the west of the town. Snowmass is larger than the other three resorts combined and it offers a wide variety of skiing and a village at its base. Buttermilk is the only ski area that doesn't have a village at its base. Aspen Highlands is considered to be one of the more challenging ski areas.
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.