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

Should you visit El Paso or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

El Paso and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in El Paso or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Winnipeg. Although El Paso and Winnipeg are about the same size, Winnipeg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections. It is also well known for The Forks.

How is El Paso different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

El Paso
Winnipeg

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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 El Paso or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

El Paso
Winnipeg

Dining out at restaurants in both El Paso and Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is El Paso or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

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.

Winnipeg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Winnipeg?

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

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.

Winnipeg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is El Paso or Winnipeg Better for Families?

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is El Paso or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

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 Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

Winnipeg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

El Paso
Winnipeg

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

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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is El Paso or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

El Paso
Winnipeg

El Paso and Winnipeg are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either El Paso or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for El Paso, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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

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


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

One day in El Paso or Winnipeg?

The city of El Paso offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Winnipeg?

El Paso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in El Paso, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg has to offer.

Five days in El Paso or Winnipeg?

El Paso is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Winnipeg 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.

A week in El Paso or Winnipeg?

El Paso is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winnipeg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or El Paso?

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

  • El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    El Paso $200
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in El Paso is $200, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 El Paso and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    El Paso $81
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    El Paso $162
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in El Paso and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in El Paso or Winnipeg? 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 El Paso


Hotels in Winnipeg


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: El Paso Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    El Paso $37
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

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

  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into El Paso or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and El Paso 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
    El Paso $93
    Winnipeg $9.33
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.
    El Paso $27
    Winnipeg $2.52

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

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    El Paso $27
    Winnipeg -


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


Which is Bigger, El Paso or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of El Paso. When comparing the sizes of El Paso and Winnipeg, 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.