A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Breckenridge vs. El Paso for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Breckenridge or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or El Paso? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a nature-filled, charming, and breathtaking ski resort. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Breckenridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Breckenridge travel costs.

El Paso

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

Breckenridge and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Breckenridge or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and El Paso are popular destinations, Breckenridge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Breckenridge is very popular for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Breckenridge is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also well known for The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Breckenridge different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Breckenridge is among the world's best ski destinations. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.


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

Breckenridge
El Paso

El Paso is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Breckenridge
El Paso

Foodies will find both Breckenridge and El Paso both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Breckenridge. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

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 Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Both Breckenridge and El Paso are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.


Is Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Breckenridge
El Paso

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

Breckenridge has a handful of resorts to choose from. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Breckenridge or El Paso Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is very good for its historic old town. However, El Paso does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge is a good destination for visiting its old town. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

El Paso does not have a historic old town.

Is Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is very good for its hiking trails. However, El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Breckenridge. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Breckenridge or El Paso?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is a very popular place for shopping. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

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 Breckenridge or El Paso More Beautiful?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Breckenridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Families?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge 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.

Breckenridge is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

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 Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Couples?

Breckenridge
El Paso

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

Breckenridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

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 Breckenridge or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Breckenridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

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

Breckenridge
El Paso

Both Breckenridge and El Paso offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

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 Breckenridge or El Paso a more walkable city?

Breckenridge
El Paso

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or El Paso?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge.


  • How many days in Breckenridge or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Breckenridge 3-7 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Breckenridge or El Paso?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This ski resort offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In El Paso, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this low-key city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Breckenridge or El Paso?

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

El Paso is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Breckenridge or El Paso?

Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of El Paso. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Breckenridge or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Breckenridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

El Paso is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Breckenridge?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Breckenridge Prices
    USA Prices
    El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Breckenridge $301
    El Paso $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Breckenridge is $301, while the average daily cost in El Paso is $200. 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 Breckenridge and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Breckenridge $143
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Breckenridge $286
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Breckenridge and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Breckenridge 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 Breckenridge


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: Breckenridge Hotel Prices and El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Breckenridge $38
    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 International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Breckenridge or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Breckenridge 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
    Breckenridge $119
    El Paso $93

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.
    Breckenridge $82
    El Paso $27

Tours and Activities in Breckenridge

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Breckenridge are as follows:

  • 3 Hours 30 Minutes Colorado Astrophotography Experience: $260
  • Astronomy Tour in Breckenridge : $59
  • Breckenridge Downtown Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Breckenridge Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales : $35
  • Breckenridge Tours - Strange but True: $33
  • Breckenridge, CO: Guided Backcountry Ski Tour: $303
  • Breckenridge, CO: Guided Rock Climb Adventure: $204
  • Continental Divide Tour: $155
  • Half-Day Upper Colorado River Float Tour from Kremmling: $94
  • Island Kayak Tour Experience in Frisco: $65
  • Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more: $47

Tours and Activities in El Paso

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

  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $24
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $26
  • Texas and New Mexico Bundle 4 day Self Guided National Park Tours: $40
  • El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $102
  • Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico: $120
  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $130
  • Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: $190
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $275

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Breckenridge $38
    El Paso $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Breckenridge

Also in Breckenridge, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ridden-Fall Foliage Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer & Distillery Tour: $85
  • Ridden-Breckenridge Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour: $85


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


Which is Bigger, Breckenridge or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge 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.