A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. El Paso for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Las Vegas or El Paso?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Las Vegas and El Paso. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a colorful, sinful, and fun-filled entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Las Vegas travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See El Paso travel costs.

Las Vegas and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Las Vegas or El Paso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and El Paso are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Las Vegas different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon 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 Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Theater?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, El Paso is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Las Vegas is world-class. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

El Paso is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Las Vegas has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Las Vegas is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.


Is Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Music?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for live music. However, El Paso is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

El Paso is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Las Vegas is a perfect choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or El Paso?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Families?

Las Vegas
El Paso

El Paso is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or El Paso Better for Couples?

Las Vegas
El Paso

Las Vegas is an unbeatable place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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

Las Vegas
El Paso

Both Las Vegas and El Paso offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

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 Las Vegas or El Paso a more walkable city?

Las Vegas
El Paso

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

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Las Vegas or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Las Vegas than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Las Vegas, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


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

One day in Las Vegas or El Paso?

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of El Paso. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that El Paso has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or El Paso?

Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of El Paso. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Las Vegas or El Paso?

Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back city of El Paso. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Las Vegas or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

El Paso is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Las Vegas?

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

  • Las Vegas Prices
    USA Prices
    El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Las Vegas $369
    El Paso $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $369, 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 Las Vegas and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Las Vegas $158
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Las Vegas $316
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas


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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices and El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Las Vegas $53
    El Paso $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Transfer Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport : $39
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Las Vegas by Luxury SUV Cadillac Escalade up to 5 pax: $235
  • Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS by Business Car: $124
  • Private Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV or Van: $155
  • Private Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas By Business Car: $126
  • Private Transfer to Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $38
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $100
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Manila City Hotels: $135
  • Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Angeles City: $100
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO) : $100
  • Private Transfer from Salomague Cruise Port to Laoag city hotels: $100
  • Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Subic Bay Cruise Port: $135

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 Las Vegas or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $139
    El Paso $93
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Manila Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $44
  • Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
  • "Blockbuster Beats" show & dinner at the Firelight Barn: $49
  • "Rockin' Through Time" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
  • "31 String Showdown" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $65
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience : $73
  • 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
  • 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75

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.
    Las Vegas $78
    El Paso $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

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

  • 1 Hour Private Las Vegas Party Bus Tour: $225
  • All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour: $164
  • Ghost Town(Eldorado Canyon) with Gold Mine Tour: $159
  • Lake Mead Private Tour by Boat: $285
  • Manila Guided: Tondo Manila, Binondo and Intramuros Tour: $45
  • Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
  • Small Group Hoover Dam: From Above, On Top and Below Tour: $100
  • 1 Day Small Group Tour of Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend : $289
  • 1-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Stargazing & Sunrise: $450
  • 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
  • 100 Island: Pangasinan Island Hopping Tour: $73

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
    Las Vegas $55
    El Paso $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $35
  • Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $35
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Happy Hour Bar Crawl! Las Vegas Strip Walking Tour: $39
  • Bars Unknown: The Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $49
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
  • Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $59
  • Vegas Country Bar Crawl: Party Bus & Drinks Included: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas 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.