Market Comparison
Denver vs Colorado Springs: STR Investment 2026
Mile High City vs Olympic City. Compare Colorado's top urban STR markets.
Quick Verdict
Denver wins for: larger market, stronger tourism, more events and attractions
Colorado Springs wins for: lower costs, military base demand, Garden of the Gods tourism
Choose Denver for maximum market size and tourism demand. Choose Colorado Springs for affordability and steady military-driven bookings.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Denver | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Average Nightly Rate | $185 | $155 |
| Average Occupancy Rate | 62% | 58% |
| Average Annual Revenue | $42,000+ | $33,000+ |
| Median Home Price | $580,000 | $450,000 |
| Primary Demand | Business, Events, Sports | Tourism, Military, Outdoor |
| Regulation Difficulty | High (primary residence only) | Moderate |
| Guest Demographics | Business Travelers, Events | Families, Nature Seekers |
| Seasonality | Low (year-round) | Moderate |
Pros & Cons
Denver
Pros
- Higher nightly rates and revenue
- Year-round business travel demand
- Broncos, Rockies, concerts drive bookings
- Major airport hub (DIA)
Cons
- Primary residence STR requirement
- Higher property prices
Colorado Springs
Pros
- Lower property prices
- More flexible STR regulations
- Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak tourism
- Military base visitors (Fort Carson, USAFA)
Cons
- Lower nightly rates
- More seasonal demand
Best For
Maximum Revenue
Denver$42K+ annual revenue.
Investment Properties
Colorado SpringsNon-owner occupied allowed.
Lower Entry Cost
Colorado Springs$130K lower median price.
Business Travel
DenverMajor corporate hub.
Outdoor Tourism
Colorado SpringsGarden of the Gods, Pikes Peak.
Year-Round Demand
DenverLess seasonality.
Ready to Invest in Colorado?
Get matched with STR specialists in Denver or Colorado Springs.