A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. El Paso for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun 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 Cancun and El Paso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and El Paso are popular destinations, Cancun has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cancun is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Cancun different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

El Paso offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Cancun and El Paso.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the El Paso area. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Cancun or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or El Paso Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Cancun is very good for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or El Paso?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cancun and El Paso.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to El Paso to go shopping. 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 Cancun or El Paso Better for Families?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Cancun or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon 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 Cancun or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cancun is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

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

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun or El Paso a more walkable city?

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

Cancun is very walkable. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cancun or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cancun than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or El Paso?

In Cancun, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of El Paso. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cancun or El Paso?

In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

El Paso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or El Paso?

Cancun 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 Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Cancun 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.