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

Should you visit Palm Springs or El Paso?

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

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a outdoorsy, ritzy, and chic city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or El Paso?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Palm Springs and El Paso are both popular with visitors, Palm Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palm Springs is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Palm Springs different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Palm Springs and El Paso have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Palm Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palm Springs is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palm Springs. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs 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, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or El Paso?

Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso Better for Families?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Both Palm Springs and El Paso offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso a more walkable city?

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

Palm Springs is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palm Springs or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palm Springs than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Palm Springs, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Palm Springs or El Paso?

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city 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 undiscovered 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 Palm Springs or El Paso?

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso?

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Palm Springs or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs 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.