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

Should you visit Santa Monica or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica or El Paso? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Monica travel costs.

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.

Santa Monica and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or El Paso?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than El Paso. While El Paso is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Santa Monica different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Santa Monica and El Paso.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around El Paso. 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 Santa Monica or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or El Paso?

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

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

Public transit in Santa Monica is fairly effecient and thorough. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santa Monica or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santa Monica than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Monica, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Santa Monica or El Paso?

In Santa Monica, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso?

In Santa Monica, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica or El Paso?

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

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 Santa Monica or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or El Paso?

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