A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Pocono Mountains vs. El Paso for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pocono Mountains and El Paso can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and skiing.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pocono Mountains and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and El Paso are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while El Paso attracts visitors for its nightlife. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Pocono Mountains different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and El Paso.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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.

Is the Food Better in Pocono Mountains or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Pocono Mountains and El Paso offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

El Paso is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

El Paso is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Resorts?

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

Pocono Mountains has a handful of resorts to choose from. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

Both Pocono Mountains and El Paso are nice shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

El Paso has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly destination. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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 Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Pocono Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

Both Pocono Mountains and El Paso offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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.

Is Pocono Mountains or El Paso a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains and El Paso both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the low-key destination of El Paso. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

In Pocono Mountains, you'll find food and shopping. 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid-back city of El Paso. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

El Paso is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. In Pocono Mountains, you'll find museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

El Paso is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Pocono Mountains and El Paso, we can see that Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive? and Is El Paso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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.