A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. El Paso for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or El Paso?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and El Paso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

El Paso

El Paso is a undiscovered, laid-back, and low-key city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Big Sur and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or El Paso?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Big Sur than El Paso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Big Sur is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while El Paso is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Also, Big Sur is famous for Bixby Bridge. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Big Sur different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

El Paso is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and El Paso can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

El Paso offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Big Sur or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

El Paso is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities El Paso has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a very popular place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or El Paso?

El Paso is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

El Paso has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or El Paso Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or El Paso.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

El Paso is a family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Big Sur or El Paso Better for Couples?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

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

El Paso is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or El Paso a more walkable city?

El Paso is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or El Paso?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or El Paso?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This natural area offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In El Paso, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or El Paso?

In Big Sur, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer.

In El Paso, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that El Paso has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or El Paso?

Big Sur is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

El Paso is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Big Sur. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting El Paso. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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