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

Should you visit Aspen or El Paso?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and El Paso can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

El Paso

El Paso is a undiscovered, laid-back, and low-key city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aspen and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or El Paso?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than El Paso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while El Paso is more popular for its museums. Aspen is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Aspen different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or El Paso?

El Paso 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 El Paso. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for live music. However, El Paso is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

El Paso is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or El Paso?

Aspen is a very popular place for shopping. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

El Paso offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, El Paso does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

El Paso does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, El Paso does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a large number of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

El Paso does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Families?

Both Aspen and El Paso are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aspen. 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.

El Paso offers lots of family activities. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Aspen or El Paso Better for Couples?

Aspen is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

Aspen is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Aspen or El Paso a more walkable city?

Aspen is a very popular place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. 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.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aspen or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aspen than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than El Paso 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 Aspen or El Paso?

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.

In El Paso, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this low-key destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or El Paso?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. 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.

Five days in Aspen or El Paso?

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.

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

A week in Aspen or El Paso?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of El Paso. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and El Paso, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is El Paso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Paso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Paso 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 El Paso.

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and El Paso, 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.