A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Breckenridge for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or Breckenridge?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Breckenridge. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Asheville travel costs.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a adventurous, scenic, and nature-filled ski resort. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Breckenridge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Breckenridge travel costs.

Asheville and Breckenridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for Christmas markets
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Asheville or Breckenridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Breckenridge than Asheville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Breckenridge is better known for its skiing, historical sights, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Asheville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and hiking. Breckenridge is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. Also, Breckenridge is famous for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Asheville is well known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Asheville different from Breckenridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Breckenridge and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Skiing?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

Breckenridge is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.


Is the Food Better in Asheville or Breckenridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Breckenridge is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its evening party scene.

Asheville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Music?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Breckenridge is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Breckenridge is not a live music destination.


Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Breckenridge

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Asheville and Breckenridge.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a good destination for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Many people head to Breckenridge to see the old town. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Hiking?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its hiking trails.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Breckenridge. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.


Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Breckenridge?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Shopping is a popular activity in both Breckenridge and Asheville.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge More Beautiful?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Breckenridge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Families?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Both Asheville and Breckenridge are superb family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Breckenridge. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.


Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Couples?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville and Breckenridge both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Breckenridge is a great mountain town if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Students?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Breckenridge is not popular with students.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Breckenridge is not popular with students.


Is Asheville or Breckenridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Asheville
Breckenridge

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Breckenridge.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Is Asheville or Breckenridge a more walkable city?

Asheville
Breckenridge

Breckenridge is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Breckenridge on foot is easy. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Breckenridge or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Breckenridge?

Both Asheville and Breckenridge have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Asheville. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-7 days is enough time in Breckenridge.

Families should spend more time in Breckenridge than Asheville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Breckenridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Breckenridge than Asheville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Breckenridge that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Breckenridge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.


  • How many days in Asheville or Breckenridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    Asheville 2-3 
    Breckenridge 3-7

One day in Asheville or Breckenridge?

In Asheville, many people enjoy the live music and food that this progressive mountain town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Breckenridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Asheville or Breckenridge?

Asheville is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Breckenridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Breckenridge?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the eclectic destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski resort makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski resort has to offer.

A week in Asheville or Breckenridge?

Asheville is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Breckenridge is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Breckenridge, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Breckenridge or Asheville?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Asheville Prices
    USA Prices
    Breckenridge Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Asheville $159
    Breckenridge $301

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $159, while the average daily cost in Breckenridge is $301. 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 Asheville and Breckenridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Breckenridge $143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Breckenridge $286
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Breckenridge

Looking for a hotel in Asheville or Breckenridge? 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 Asheville


Hotels in Breckenridge


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Breckenridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Breckenridge $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Breckenridge?

Prices for flights to both Breckenridge and Asheville 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
    Asheville $58
    Breckenridge $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asheville $20
    Breckenridge $82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60
  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

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

  • Downtown Asheville Tip-Based Sightseeing Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Downtown Asheville Historian-Guided Tour: $20
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour in Hendersonville: $30
  • The Asheville Abyss Ghost Tour: Ashes to Apparitions: $32
  • Haunted History & Murder Mystery Trolley Tour: $35
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Buffalo Creek Ranch Tour Experience: $40
  • Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $41
  • Explore Asheville on Segway Tours: $65
  • Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views: $75

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:

  • Breckenridge Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Smartphone Driving Tour b/w Breckenridge & Denver: $12
  • Self-Guided Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt: Breckenridge Adventure: $12
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $33
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $35
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47
  • Astronomy Tour in Breckenridge : $59
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $65
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Ridden-Fall Foliage EBike Guided Tour of Breckenridge: $95
  • Self Guided Ebike Tour of Breckenridge Lake Loop: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Breckenridge $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

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

  • Asheville Bar Crawl: $15
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District: $80
  • Floating Bar Crawl Tour: $85
  • Asheville Brewery Tour: $94
  • 2 Vineyard Wine Tour of Western NC: $159
  • Private Wine Tour with Dine in Black Mountain from Asheville: $230
  • Three Vineyards Half Day Private Wine Tour From Asheville: $260

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

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

  • Ridden-Fall Foliage Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85
  • Ridden-Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour: $85


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Breckenridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asheville or Breckenridge?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Breckenridge, 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 along with the activities and attractions that interest you.