A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America El Paso vs. Cody, Wyoming for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

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 El Paso and Cody, Wyoming can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a historic, fascinating, and activity-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

El Paso and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although El Paso and Cody, Wyoming are both popular with visitors, Cody, Wyoming has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cody, Wyoming is more touristy than El Paso and is known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage 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 El Paso or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Dining out at restaurants in both El Paso and Cody, Wyoming can be an enjoyable experience.

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is El Paso or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in El Paso and Cody, Wyoming.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is El Paso or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its historic old town. However, El Paso does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for visiting its old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

El Paso does not have a historic old town.


Is El Paso or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Cody, Wyoming. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

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 El Paso or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

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 El Paso or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a nice destination for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

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

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

El Paso is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options 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 Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is El Paso or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

El Paso
Cody, Wyoming

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

Cody, Wyoming is somewhat walkable. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require 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 El Paso Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both El Paso and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than in El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming.


  • How many days in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    El Paso 1-2 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of El Paso. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cody, Wyoming has to offer.

Five days in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the low-key destination of El Paso. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Cody, Wyoming 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 El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of El Paso. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or El Paso?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in El Paso is $161, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $157. 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 El Paso and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    El Paso $81
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    El Paso $162
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in El Paso and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in El Paso or Cody, Wyoming? 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 El Paso


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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 and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    El Paso $37
    Cody, Wyoming $46

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 El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and El Paso 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
    El Paso $54
    Cody, Wyoming $47
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.
    El Paso $27
    Cody, Wyoming $33

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

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

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

  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298
  • Yellowstone Custom Wildlife and Nature Tour: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    El Paso $27
    Cody, Wyoming $18


When comparing the travel costs between El Paso and Cody, Wyoming, 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 El Paso Expensive? and Is Cody, Wyoming Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, El Paso or Cody, Wyoming?

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