A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. El Paso for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or El Paso, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a wonder-filled, unique, and iconic town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

El Paso

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

Cape Canaveral and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than El Paso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums & sights, resorts, and beaches, while El Paso is more popular for its nightlife. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than El Paso and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Cape Canaveral different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Cape Canaveral from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and El Paso can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

El Paso is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

Cape Canaveral is very good for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

El Paso is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

Cape Canaveral is very good for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cape Canaveral to enjoy the beach. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and El Paso both offer plenty of notable spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

El Paso is a great destination for 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 Cape Canaveral or El Paso Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or El Paso Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

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

Cape Canaveral makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

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

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

El Paso is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known 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 Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or El Paso a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
El Paso

El Paso is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.


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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Canaveral or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in El Paso than Cape Canaveral 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 El Paso.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town 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 museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer.

El Paso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Canaveral. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of El Paso. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week 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.


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, while the average daily cost in El Paso is $161. 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 Cape Canaveral and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or El Paso? 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 Cape Canaveral


Hotels in El Paso


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: El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    El Paso $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $123
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $291
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $223
  • Private Port Canaveral Transfer to/from Orlando or Disney Hotel: $114
  • Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport Private One Way Transfer: $85
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • One Way SUV Transfer Xpress Port Canaveral or Cocoa to MCO: $215
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Transfer: $170
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private One Way Transfer: $85
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

Also for El Paso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • El Paso Airport to Truth or Consequences Round Trip Transfer: $249
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $125
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $42
  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $43
    El Paso $54

Typical Food Prices in El Paso

For El Paso, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)
    $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    El Paso $27

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $50
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex from Port Canaveral Cruise: $67
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30

Tours and Activities in El Paso

For El Paso, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $125
  • El Paso Prowl Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $120
  • Sun City Ghost Walking Tour: $24
  • Jeep Tour - Pikes Peak or Bust: $190
  • Pikes Peak Tour: $110
  • Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour: $30
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    El Paso $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and El Paso, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is El Paso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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.