A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America El Paso vs. Yellowstone National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

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 Yellowstone National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a undiscovered, laid-back, and low-key city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast, world-famous, and popular national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

El Paso and Yellowstone National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Old Faithful


Is there more to do in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park than El Paso, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yellowstone National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while El Paso is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. Also, Yellowstone National Park is famous for Old Faithful. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Yellowstone National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Is El Paso or Yellowstone National Park Better for Nightlife?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is El Paso or Yellowstone National Park Better for Resorts?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yellowstone National Park. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

El Paso is not a resort destination.


Is El Paso or Yellowstone National Park Better for Hiking?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is El Paso or Yellowstone National Park Better for Families?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park 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.

Yellowstone National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Couples?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Yellowstone National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

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 Yellowstone National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

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

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.


Is El Paso or Yellowstone National Park a more walkable city?

El Paso
Yellowstone National Park

El Paso is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable city. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Yellowstone National Park or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

Both El Paso and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in El Paso than Yellowstone National Park 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 El Paso or Yellowstone National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    El Paso 1-2 
    Yellowstone National Park 5-7

One day in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered city of El Paso. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of El Paso. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

El Paso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

El Paso is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yellowstone National Park. In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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, Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park is $147. 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 Yellowstone National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    El Paso $81
    Yellowstone National Park $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    El Paso $162
    Yellowstone National Park $148
Compare Hotels in El Paso and Yellowstone National Park

Looking for a hotel in El Paso or Yellowstone National Park? 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 Yellowstone National Park


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 Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    El Paso $37
    Yellowstone National Park $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into El Paso or Yellowstone National Park?

Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park 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
    Yellowstone National Park $46
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
    Yellowstone National Park $34

Tours and Activities in El Paso

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

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

Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • West Thumb Geysers Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • 5-Day Winter Yellowstone Wildlife Tour: $3,349
  • 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
  • E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park: $200
  • Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $125
  • Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour: $269
  • Grand Prismatic Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $135
  • Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Self-Guided Grand Teton National Park Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $150
  • Yellowstone 3-day Tour Round-trip From Salt Lake City: $1,088

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    El Paso $27
    Yellowstone National Park $19


When comparing the travel costs between El Paso and Yellowstone National Park, 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 Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.


Related Articles for Yellowstone National Park