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

Should you visit El Paso or Boulder?

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

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See El Paso travel costs.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Boulder travel costs.

El Paso and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Boulder?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boulder than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Boulder, Boulder has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boulder is very popular for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Boulder is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. It is also well known for The Flatirons. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

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

El Paso is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both El Paso and Boulder can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Boulder. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in El Paso and Boulder.

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.

Boulder has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is very good for live music. However, El Paso is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

El Paso is not a live music destination.

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Boulder?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both El Paso and Boulder.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. 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.

Boulder offers some nice shopping areas. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is El Paso or Boulder More Beautiful?

Boulder is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either El Paso or Boulder.

El Paso is a family-friendly city. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Boulder. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is El Paso or Boulder Better for Couples?

Boulder is very good for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Boulder is a nice destination for couples. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

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 El Paso or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Boulder is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 El Paso or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, El Paso is not popular with students.

Boulder is very popular with students. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

El Paso is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both El Paso and Boulder.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Is El Paso or Boulder a more walkable city?

Boulder is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Boulder is somewhat walkable. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-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 El Paso Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Boulder?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both El Paso and Boulder. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boulder than in El Paso. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 2-3 days is enough time in Boulder.

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

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

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

One day in El Paso or Boulder?

In El Paso, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Boulder, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in El Paso or Boulder?

In El Paso, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that El Paso has to offer.

In Boulder, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boulder has to offer.

Five days in El Paso or Boulder?

El Paso is a great place to explore. 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.

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in El Paso or Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting El Paso. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boulder. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Boulder. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, El Paso or Boulder?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of El Paso and Boulder, 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.