A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers El Paso vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit El Paso or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

El Paso and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Niagara Falls than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls has more sights and attractions for tourists. Niagara Falls is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Niagara Falls is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also well known for the Journey Behind the Falls. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

El Paso is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both El Paso and Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is El Paso or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Niagara Falls has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is El Paso or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Niagara Falls?

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

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.

Niagara Falls offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is El Paso or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

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

Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is El Paso or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 El Paso or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

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 El Paso or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

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

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both El Paso and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in El Paso or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of El Paso. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in El Paso. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find nightlife 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 Niagara Falls has to offer.

Five days in El Paso or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the low-key destination of El Paso. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of El Paso. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between El Paso and Niagara Falls, we can see that El Paso is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 El Paso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in El Paso than you might in Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, El Paso or Niagara Falls?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of El Paso and Niagara Falls, 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.