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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

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 Saint Petersburg and El Paso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

El Paso

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

Saint Petersburg 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Saint Petersburg is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Saint Petersburg different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

The vibe at night is good in both Saint Petersburg and El Paso.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Petersburg has a few options to choose from. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

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.

Is Saint Petersburg or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

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

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

El Paso is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Petersburg or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and El Paso both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso Better for Couples?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

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

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg and El Paso both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso a more walkable city?

Saint Petersburg
El Paso

Saint Petersburg and El Paso are decent when it comes to walkability.

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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


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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Petersburg or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint Petersburg than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.


  • How many days in Saint Petersburg or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Petersburg 2-4 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

In Saint Petersburg, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city 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 undiscovered 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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

In Saint Petersburg, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint Petersburg has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the low-key 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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Petersburg. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $204, 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 Saint Petersburg and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices and El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    El Paso $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $49
    El Paso $54
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    El Paso $27

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
    Saint Petersburg $41
    El Paso $27


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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.