A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Raleigh vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Raleigh or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Raleigh or Aspen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a southern, student-friendly, and suburban-style city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Raleigh travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Raleigh and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Raleigh or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Raleigh and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Raleigh attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Aspen is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Raleigh different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is very popular for winter skiing. However, Raleigh is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. 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.

Raleigh is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Raleigh or Aspen?

Raleigh is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Raleigh. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Raleigh or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Aspen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is well known for its music scene. However, Raleigh is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Raleigh is not a live music destination.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Aspen is well known for its resorts. However, Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. 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.

Raleigh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Raleigh or Aspen?

Aspen is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Raleigh or Aspen More Beautiful?

Aspen is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Raleigh or Aspen.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Students?

Raleigh is a great destination for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Raleigh. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Aspen is not popular with students.

Is Raleigh or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Raleigh or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. 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.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable city. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Raleigh Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Raleigh?

How long in Raleigh or Aspen?

In either Raleigh or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than Raleigh because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Raleigh, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Raleigh 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 Aspen.

One day in Raleigh or Aspen?

In Raleigh, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this suburban-style destination offers. This city offers a variety 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.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Raleigh or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Raleigh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Raleigh or Aspen?

Raleigh is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Raleigh. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aspen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aspen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Raleigh or Aspen?

You'll find nightlife and food around the student-friendly destination of Raleigh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Aspen?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh and Aspen, 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.