With our El Paso travel cost guide you'll get a better idea of how much your trip may cost and how to plan your budget wisely. This El Paso trip cost calculator is based on average expenses from thousands of past travelers, including hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing expenses, and transportation information. El Paso is an undiscovered city known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food, so don't miss out because you didn't plan a proper budget.
How much does it cost to travel to El Paso?
A typical traveler spends $200 per day on a trip to El Paso. This is the average daily price for a vacation in El Paso based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $93 on meals
- $37 on local transportation
- $163 on hotels
A one-week trip to El Paso for two people costs, on average, $2,800. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is El Paso expensive to visit?
In El Paso, budget travelers spend $88 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $200 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $379 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to El Paso.
El Paso is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find El Paso to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, El Paso is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chapel Hill or Sedona.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is El Paso Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to El Paso?
The average El Paso trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these El Paso travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to El Paso cost?
El Paso on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
|
$81
|
$156
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$16
|
$37
|
$71
|
|
Food2
|
$41
|
$93
|
$174
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$12
|
$27
|
$52
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-18
|
$14-41
|
$26-78
|
Accommodation Budget in El Paso
Hotel prices in El Paso can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $113, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $211. Budget accommodations range from $71 to $319, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in El Paso for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $163. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in El Paso? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in El Paso include:
- Hotel Paso Del Norte Autograph Collection starting at $189
- Homewood Suites by Hilton El Paso Airport starting at $158
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott El Paso starting at $156
- Courtyard By Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention Center starting at $187
- Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso West starting at $181
If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in El Paso
The public transit system in El Paso is not very good. 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.
Sadly, most parts of the city are not designed for walking. You really need a car to get around town.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $37 per person, per day, on local transportation in El Paso. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in El Paso is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$37
El Paso International Airport is located 6 mi northeast of downtown and is the easiest way to get to El Paso. El Paso is accessible by train on Amtrak to the downtown area and can also be reached by bus or car, if driving, via the interstate. Having your own car may be the easiest way to see what El Paso has to offer. Since many sites of interest are quite far apart from one another, renting a car may afford visitors the most flexibility. A limited bus route is available, but coverage is not great and schedules are limited.
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer for $66 details
- El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer for $66 details
- El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $132 details
How much does it cost to go to El Paso? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in El Paso will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in El Paso
Cuisine in El Paso is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in El Paso can vary significantly, the average cost of food in El Paso is $93 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$93
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in El Paso is around $93 ($93) per person, with previous travelers spending from $41 to $174. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in El Paso are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $28 to $65
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
El Paso's food scene has been picking up momentum for the last few years, and is showing no signs of slowing down. El Paso's downtown's restaurant scene is expanding; more chains are dotting the landscape, while local and sustainable food are growing in popularity. Mexican food is the biggest food offering in the area, and there are delicious options everywhere for a good meal. Travelers will see signs referring to Menudo everywhere. It is a type of soup made with hominy, chili and tripe. It is a Mexican specialty. Another border favorite, burritos, are a humble but delicious food. True burritos are done with homemade flour tortilla and your choice of filling. Try “chile con queso”, chile relleno, barbacoa (meat) or “deshebrada con chile colorado” (shredded meat with red chile) for the local traditional El Paso/Juarez flavor. Green chile fillings are great too. All other flavors are more likely not from the region.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle instead of constantly buying drinks. It's not only convenient but also eco-friendly.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in El Paso, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Ciudad Juarez Evening Mexican Food Tour for $130 details
Typical food prices in El Paso, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)
$40
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in El Paso
It's understandable that travelers choose El Paso, as it is famous for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in El Paso typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$27
See the Franklin Mountains State Park. At over 24,000 acres, this is the largest urban park in the US. It’s a quick escape from the city to the home of ringtail cats, coyotes, and countless other smaller animals and reptiles. There’s excellent mountain biking and hiking here, with North Franklin Peak (7192ft) looming overhead.
Head to the visitor center to get a basic park map, written descriptions of the hiking trails, mountain-bike trail maps, or route maps of the 17 different rock-climbing routes. (The visitor center will be relocating in 2018, so confirm the location before setting out.) You’ll find most of the trails in the Tom Mays Unit of the park, which is east of the I-10 off Transmountain Rd.
Visit the El Paso Museum of Art. This thoroughly enjoyable museum is in a former Greyhound station. They feature an Italian Madonna and Child (c 1200), their Southwestern art is terrific, and the engaging modern pieces round out the collection nicely.
The El Paso Holocaust Museum may seem a little out of place in a predominately Hispanic town, but the Holocaust Museum is as much a surprise inside as out for its thoughtful and moving exhibits, which are imaginatively presented for maximum impact.
Take a scenic drive in El Paso. Popular at night for city-lights viewing, Scenic Dr offers great views of El Paso, Juarez and the surrounding mountains. Take N Mesa St to Kerbey Ave (across from the university), head east till it becomes Rim Rd, then turn right on Scenic Dr. En route, keep an eye out for little Murchison Park, a fine spot for sunrises.
Take a ride on the Wyler Aerial Tramway Cable car to the top of the Franklin Mountains. The ride only takes about four minutes to the top via this gondola system. After gliding 2600ft and gaining 940ft in elevation, you’ll reach the viewing platform on top of Ranger Peak, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. For maximum enjoyment, bring binoculars and a jacket.
Visit the El Paso Zoo, home to a large number of endangered animals, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran orangutan, Malayan tiger and the rare Amur leopard. All told, more than 670 animals represent 231 species, all packed into 35 acres. You can catch a free-flight bird show in the new Wildlife Amphitheater, which added 4000 sq ft for housing birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates.
A nice way to explore destinations in El Paso is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate for $107 details
- Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico for $120 details
- UTV Adventure Tour / Rental for $275 details
Nightlife Budget in El Paso
If you're looking for nightlife, El Paso has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $27 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in El Paso per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Traveling in El Paso
El Paso, Texas
El Paso is a city in west Texas, along the waters of the Rio Grande. Outside the city, Franklin Mountains State Park is home to cacti and desert wildlife like coyotes and golden eagles. The park's Wyler Aerial Tramway ascends to Ranger Peak for views of the city and over to Mexico. El Paso is coming up in the world and starting to make a name for itself. A sleek new hotel has opened downtown, luring locals back to the city’s core for socializing and dining. The new Montecillo entertainment and residential district to the west is booming. The city even has a new baseball team, the El Paso Chihuahuas. And the city’s first microbrewery opened in 2015. Outdoorsy types also have it made here: there’s cycling and hiking in the largest urban park in the US, and the nearby Hueco Tanks State Park is ideal for wintertime rock climbing. Best of all is the hospitality of the locals, which makes this city of nearly 700,000 feel a whole lot smaller.
Neighborhoods & Around
West Side
Between the Franklin mountains and Mexico and New Mexico includes El Paso’s most affluent neighborhoods along the side of the mountain. Providence Memorial Hospital, Sierra Medical Center, Las Palmas Medical Center, El Paso Country Club, and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are located here. The UTEP area (“Kern Place”) is emerging as an entertainment district with restaurants and nightclubs also known as the “Cincinnati Entertainment District”. The Sun Bowl, Don Haskins center, and Centennial Gardens are all located on the UTEP campus.
Downtown
Located in the southern part of El Paso, just below the tip of the Franklin Mountains. The streets of Downtown are often difficult to navigate for first time visitors. Walking through Downtown, there are many little shops reminiscent of Mexico and many small cafes. Many of the buildings are historic and very beautiful. The Downtown area boasts a beautiful plaza in the center of the city. The El Paso Museum of Art, the Plaza Theater, El Paso Civic Center and a children’s science museum, Insights, are all located here. Nearby on Paisano Street is the El Paso Zoo.
North East El Paso
Home to Fort Bliss Military Base. Fort Bliss is one of the largest US Military bases in the world and Northeast El Paso is home to many active and retired servicemen and women. Fort Bliss located near the airport with adjacent Biggs Army Airfield has a great influence on Northeast El Paso culture.
East Side
The fastest growing area mostly home to middle class working families. The Socorro Student Activities Complex, Del Sol Medical Center, Las Palmas Marketplace, Cielo Vista Mall and Bassett Center are all located in East El Paso. It is close to the Mission Trails area and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit El Paso cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $88 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, El Paso features plenty of hostels, such as Gardner Hotel & Hostel. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to El Paso will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $200 per person, per day.
El Paso offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Paso Del Norte Autograph Collection is an excellent choice, while Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott El Paso is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for El Paso.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $379. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
