Travel Budget for Colorado Springs Visit Colorado Springs on a Budget or Travel in Style

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West /
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Colorado Springs is a healthy mountain town known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. 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. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Colorado Springs, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Colorado Springs?

You should plan to spend around $205 per day on your vacation in Colorado Springs. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $95 on meals
  • $36 on local transportation
  • $162 on hotels

A one week trip to Colorado Springs for two people costs, on average, $2,870. 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $205
  • One Week Per person
    $1,435
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,870
  • One Month Per person
    $6,150
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,870
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,740
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,300
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Colorado Springs cost?

A one week trip to Colorado Springs usually costs around $1,435 for one person and $2,870 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Colorado Springs on average costs around $2,870 for one person and $5,740 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 Colorado Springs will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Colorado Springs on average costs around $6,150 for one person and $12,300 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Colorado Springs expensive to visit?

Colorado Springs is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

Colorado Springs can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $86 per day, mid-range travelers spend $205 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $458 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Colorado Springs.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Colorado Springs is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Atlanta or Acadia National Park.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Colorado Springs Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Colorado Springs?

The average Colorado Springs trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Colorado Springs travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Colorado Springs cost?

Colorado Springs on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$35 $81 $159
Local Transportation 1 $16 $36 $74
Food 2 $38 $95 $239
Entertainment 1 $17 $40 $85
Alcohol 2 $5-16 $12-36 $23-70

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Colorado Springs cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $86 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

So, are you average?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most guests in Colorado Springs will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $205 per person, per day.

Colorado Springs boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Colorado Springs Marriott is an excellent family-friendly option, while Holiday Inn Colorado Springs - Airport is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Colorado Springs here.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $458 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the mountain town, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Rock Climbing at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Colorado Springs

The hotel prices in Colorado Springs might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $139, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $259. Prices vary from $91 to $383, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Colorado Springs for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $162. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $81
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $162

Hotels in Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Colorado Springs? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Colorado Springs

The average hotel room price in Colorado Springs based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $139 in the low season and $259 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Colorado Springs include:

  • The Mining Exchange A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa starting at $196
  • Old Town GuestHouse starting at $250
  • Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs Near the Air Force Academy starting at $181
  • Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn starting at $172
  • Staybridge Suites Colorado Springs North starting at $182
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space.

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs does not has a good public transit system. 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.

It's unfortunate that most of the mountain town isn't 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.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $36 per person, per day, on local transportation in Colorado Springs. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Colorado Springs is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $36

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Winter Park to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer for $129 details
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Winter Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $258 details
  • Denver Centennial Airport to Steamboat - Private Arrival Transfer for $279 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Colorado Springs
How much does it cost to go to Colorado Springs? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Colorado Springs
The price of renting a car in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs

Food in Colorado Springs is pretty good, but you'll need to do some research to find the most popular restaurants. Keep an eye out for a few fantastic spots in the mountain town. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Colorado Springs can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Colorado Springs is $95 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $95

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Colorado Springs is around $95 ($95) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $239. 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 Colorado Springs are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $10 to $29
  • Lunch: $14 to $38
  • Dinner: $29 to $67
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

Colorado Springs has a wide variety of restaurants for every budget and dining style. There are diners, cafes, pizzerias, breweries, and high end restaurants. There's also a range of cuisine types including Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Irish, and German food, among many others.

If you want to grab a drink, there are plenty of bars around town as well and beer is often a cheap option for an evening of drinking with friends.

Food & Dining Tips

When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

You can save money while soaking in the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Visit a local grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic spot for your meal.

Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Colorado Springs, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs for $88 details
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Colorado Springs, CO for $88 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Colorado Springs?

Typical food prices in Colorado Springs, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.


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


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Colorado Springs

Tourists are naturally attracted to Colorado Springs due to its hiking, family-friendly activities, museums and attractions, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Colorado Springs typically cost an average of $40 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.
    $40

The highlight of visiting Colorado Springs is the natural beauty. Pikes Peak is the probably the most famous destination in the area. You can drive to the top or hike up up Barr Trail. Wild flowers are in bloom during the summer so it's a beautiful time to visit. Garden of the Gods is also a must-see sight. It is a city park that has incredibly dramatic sandstone formations. Cave of the Winds offers unique cave tours that are interesting to experience and Seven Falls is a set of privately owned waterfalls and hiking trails. Other places worth visiting in the area include Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Broadmoor Hotel, and Helen Hunt Falls.

Museums in the area include May Natural History Museum, ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and the Ghost Town Museum.

Another fascinating place to visit is United States Olympic Training Center, which has free tours daily.



Colorado Springs is the place to be if you're interested in outdoor sports. You'll find everything here, from rock climbing and whitewater rafting, to bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding.

If you have access to a car and you're looking to get outside of town then there are some great day and weekend trips in the area. Perhaps the most popular is to head over to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is about a two hour drive southwest of the city. Other options include the pleasant and quaint town of Manitou Springs or a visit to the Arkansas River where you can enjoy an afternoon of rafting or fishing.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the hiking near Colorado Springs. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Colorado Springs. 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:

  • JEEP TOUR - Pikes Peak or Bust for $160 details
  • Ebike Tour: Garden of the Gods for $245 details
  • EBIKE Mountain Adventure in Gold Camp Road for $169 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Colorado Springs

Though Colorado Springs has some nightlife options, it's relatively quieter compared to other more popular cities. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $24 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Colorado Springs per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $24
Nightlife Tips

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.

Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Colorado Springs. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour for $68 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Jun 3, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Colorado Springs

  • When it's peak season in summer, expect to pay more and see more people in the mountain town. Save some cash and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Slowing your travel tempo can not only save you money but also let you enjoy the stunning beauty of your surroundings. When you pack each day with activities, costs can rise rapidly. However, a more relaxed pace usually leads to lower expenses and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Colorado Springs. Renting a car or organizing a form of transport, like a tour, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Hostels are scarce in Colorado Springs, so if you're expecting a low-cost dorm stay, you might need to change your approach. Seeking out a cheap hotel or an apartment rental could be a smart move.
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Traveling in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods, 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.

Colorado Springs is at an elevation of 6,035 feet, or 1,839 meters above sea level but the actual elevation within the city can vary dramatically. The city is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is over 14,000 feet high and one of the most famous mountains in the country.

The city's climate is semi-arid and daily temperatures can vary dramatically. There are, on average, 243 sunny days a year. Winters can be somewhat cold with December temperatures averaging about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is common but melts quite quickly from the sun. March is the snowiest month in the area. Summer temperatures can climb into the 90s, but typically stay in the 80s Fahrenheit.



Neighborhoods & Around

The Old North End is north of downtown. It has a historic vibe and large, residential homes with a lot of character. In the southwest is the Broadmoor neighborhood. This is where you'll find the five-diamond Broadmoor hotel and resort. The area has many old mansions that date back to the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. The West Side and Old Colorado City areas are in the oldest and most eclectic parts of town. They are just outside of downtown and have quaint residential homes and interesting shops that appeal to tourists.

Colorado Springs has plenty of hotels. The cheaper options are usually the chain motels on the edge of town. Another affordable and fun option is to camp. This allows you to experience first hand the beautiful natural setting in this area.

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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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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