A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pittsburgh vs. Durango for Attractions, Families, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pittsburgh or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pittsburgh or Durango, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Pittsburgh and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pittsburgh or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pittsburgh is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Durango is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington.

How is Pittsburgh different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Pittsburgh is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pittsburgh or Durango?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Is the Food Better in Pittsburgh or Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pittsburgh is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Pittsburgh. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is great for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pittsburgh or Durango?

Pittsburgh is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pittsburgh. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Pittsburgh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Families?

Durango is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Couples?

Neither Pittsburgh or Durango is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Pittsburgh is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Durango is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pittsburgh is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Pittsburgh or Durango a more walkable city?

Pittsburgh is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Pittsburgh?

How long in Pittsburgh or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pittsburgh and Durango. In our opinion, Durango has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Durango than Pittsburgh. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango than Pittsburgh 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 Durango.

One day in Pittsburgh or Durango?

In Pittsburgh, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Pittsburgh or Durango?

In Pittsburgh, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this small town.

Five days in Pittsburgh or Durango?

Pittsburgh is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango, a popular small town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Pittsburgh or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pittsburgh. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pittsburgh or Durango?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Pittsburgh and Durango, 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.