A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Santa Barbara vs. Colorado Springs for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing and small town charm. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Santa Barbara different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Santa Barbara is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Both Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its resorts. However, Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Colorado Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Colorado Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its beaches. However, Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Colorado Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs both have world-class trails.

People visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Santa Barbara is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Santa Barbara is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Santa Barbara is one of the main draws. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

The beauty of Colorado Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs.

Santa Barbara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is terrific for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is a popular place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Santa Barbara, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. 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.

Is Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable coastal town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting? and Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Santa Barbara?

How long in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Colorado Springs 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Santa Barbara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly destination of Colorado Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the stunning coastal town of Santa Barbara. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Colorado Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Colorado Springs. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Santa Barbara Expensive? and Is Colorado Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Barbara. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs, 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.

When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Barbara and Colorado Springs. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Colorado Springs for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santa Barbara is cooler than Colorado Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Barbara in July average around 65°F (19°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In July, Santa Barbara usually receives less rain than Colorado Springs. Santa Barbara gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santa Barbara as well as Colorado Springs. Many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Colorado Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santa Barbara is generally much warmer than Colorado Springs. Daily temperatures in Santa Barbara average around 62°F (17°C), and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets less rain in October than Colorado Springs. Santa Barbara gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs in the Winter?

Both Colorado Springs and Santa Barbara are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Colorado Springs for the skiing, the museums, and the cuisine during these months.

Colorado Springs can be very cold during winter. Santa Barbara is much warmer than Colorado Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Barbara averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Colorado Springs fluctuates around 26°F (-3°C).

In January, Santa Barbara usually receives more rain than Colorado Springs. Santa Barbara gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 0.3 inches (8 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Colorado Springs in the Spring?

Both Colorado Springs and Santa Barbara during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Colorado Springs because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santa Barbara is much warmer than Colorado Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Barbara in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Colorado Springs averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Santa Barbara usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Colorado Springs. Santa Barbara gets 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain, while Colorado Springs receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Colorado Springs and Santa Barbara