A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. El Paso for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City 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 New York City 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.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

El Paso

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

New York City and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New York City or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than El Paso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is New York City different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or El Paso?

New York City 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 New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Theater?

New York City is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, El Paso is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

El Paso is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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 New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Music?

New York City is an unbeatable place for live music. However, El Paso is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

El Paso is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New York City or El Paso?

New York City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Christmas?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, El Paso does not offer Christmas activities.

New York City offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

El Paso does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or El Paso Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, El Paso does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

El Paso does not offer Christmas markets.

Is New York City or El Paso Better for Families?

New York City 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.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

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 New York City or El Paso Better for Students?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, El Paso is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

El Paso is not popular with students.

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

New York City is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in New York City can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City or El Paso a more walkable city?

New York City is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or New York City?

How long in New York City or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in New York City or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in New York City than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in New York City or El Paso?

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back 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.

A weekend in New York City or El Paso?

Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in New York City or El Paso?

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in New York City or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. Because New York City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, New York City or El Paso?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of El Paso. When comparing the sizes of New York City 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.