A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Denver for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Denver?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Denver? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver than West Palm Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Denver is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also well known for Red Rocks Park.

How is West Palm Beach different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Skiing?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Denver is a popular place for skiing. However, West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Denver?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Denver is adequate for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Denver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Both West Palm Beach and Denver offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Denver. 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 West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach is renowned for its resorts. However, Denver is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Denver is not a beach destination.


Is West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Hiking?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Denver is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Denver is a good destination for hiking. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Denver?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Denver is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Denver. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Families?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly beach area. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Denver is a family-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Couples?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Denver is a good beach area 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 West Palm Beach or Denver Better for Students?

West Palm Beach
Denver

Denver is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Denver. 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach and Denver both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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.


Is West Palm Beach or Denver a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach
Denver

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Denver is not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Denver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denver or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Denver?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than West Palm Beach 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 Denver.


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

One day in West Palm Beach or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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.

The park-filled destination of Denver offers nightlife and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Denver?

West Palm Beach 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.

The city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in West Palm Beach or Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. 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.

Denver is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Denver. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Denver or West Palm Beach?

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

  • West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Denver Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    West Palm Beach $378
    Denver $248

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $378, 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 West Palm Beach and Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Denver

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices and Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Denver $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Palm Beach International Airport: Transfer to Palm Beach: $70
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $276
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver: $200
  • Private One-way Transfer from Denver Airport to Denver: $190
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $114
    Denver $73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $94
  • Downtown Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $105
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110

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
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $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.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Denver $52

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • Wish You Were Here Tourism in the Palm Beaches Exhibit Entry: $12
  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Yoga Experience: Retail Therapy Gift for Women: $25
  • Stuart Ghost Tour: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Tour: $32
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • Guided Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach: $45
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Sun & Sightseeing Hakuna Matata Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise: $54

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
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $30
  • All-Inclusive Twilight Ghost Tour with a Boozy Twist: $55
  • Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites: $39
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Capitol Hill Haunts: A Ghostly Walking Tour: $343
  • Dark Side of Denver – RiNo’s True Crime and Murals Tour: $25
  • Deep Dive into Small-Group Walking Tour: $39
  • Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour: $35
  • Denver Art Museum General Admission Ticket: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Denver $5.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and Denver, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Denver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Denver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Denver 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Denver.

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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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.