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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and El Paso. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

El Paso

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

Cocoa Beach and El Paso: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than El Paso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Cocoa Beach different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf 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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cocoa Beach. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and El Paso.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

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

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

El Paso is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and El Paso.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

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

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples 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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

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

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or El Paso a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
El Paso

Cocoa Beach is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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


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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the low-key city of El Paso. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The laid-back city of El Paso offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting El Paso. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Cocoa Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, 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 Cocoa Beach and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    El Paso $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $40
  • El Paso Airport to Truth or Consequences Round Trip Transfer: $240
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    El Paso $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    El Paso $27

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $64
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85
  • Clear Kayak Guided Kayak Tours in Titusville: $65

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: $115
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $120
  • Sun City Ghost Walking Tour: $26
  • Jeep Tour - Pikes Peak or Bust: $175
  • Sun City Ghosts Haunted Cowboys and Outlaws Tour: $30
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    El Paso $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cocoa Beach:

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39


When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and El Paso, we can see that El Paso is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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.