A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pensacola vs. Denver for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Pensacola or Denver?

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 Pensacola and Denver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a active, entertaining, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pensacola travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Denver travel costs.

Pensacola and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Pensacola or Denver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Denver than Pensacola. Denver is bigger than Pensacola, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Denver is better known for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities, while Pensacola is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches. Pensacola is more touristy than Denver and is known for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. Also, Denver is famous for Red Rocks Park.

How is Pensacola different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Skiing?

Pensacola
Denver

Denver is very good for snow skiing. However, Pensacola is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Pensacola is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pensacola or Denver?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

Pensacola offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Pensacola or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola
Denver

Evening events are notable in both Pensacola and Denver.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Denver. 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.


Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Resorts?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Beaches?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is renowned for the beach. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Hiking?

Pensacola
Denver

Denver is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for its hiking trails.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.


Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Denver?

Pensacola
Denver

Both Pensacola and Denver are notable shopping destinations.

Pensacola offers some nice shopping areas. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Families?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Denver is a family-friendly beach town. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Couples?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Denver is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.


Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Students?

Pensacola
Denver

Denver is very good for students. However, Pensacola is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

Is Pensacola or Denver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pensacola
Denver

Denver is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Denver a more walkable city?

Pensacola
Denver

Pensacola is a moderate beach town for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Pensacola is generally not very walkable. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

Denver is not a very walkable beach town. 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.


For even more information, also check out Is Pensacola Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pensacola and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Denver. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Pensacola, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

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

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


  • How many days in Pensacola or Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pensacola 3-7 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Pensacola or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pensacola. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Denver. 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 Pensacola or Denver?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the suburban destination of Denver. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pensacola or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the accessible city of Denver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Pensacola or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Pensacola. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or Pensacola?

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

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Pensacola and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Denver? 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 Pensacola


Hotels in Denver


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Denver $101
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Hot Ski Resorts: $65
  • Departure Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN by Business Car: $113
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $118
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130
  • Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $140
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $143
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $143
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $143
  • Avon/Vail Valley to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer : $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Denver $73
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • Dinner Food Tour in RiNo Denver : $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Denver $52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

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

  • Pensacola's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided App Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
  • The Great Pensacola Birthday Party Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Pensacola Beach Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
  • Pensacola Ghost Tours: Perdition, Pirates, & Purgatory: $24
  • Spooky Stories Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • Pensacola Walking Cemetery Tour: $25
  • Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Pensacola Haunted Walking Tour with Ghost Equipment: $30
  • Pensacola Amazing Race Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Pensacola Back to the Future Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Denver's Art District Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
  • Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
  • Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Denver Bar Crawl Lodo Bar Crawl: $15
  • California Vs. Colorado Wine Tasting: $30
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 4+ Hour Themed Bar Crawl Through Denver's RiNo Arts District : $35
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola and Denver, 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.