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

Should you visit Vail or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Vail 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.

Vail

Vail is a vibrant, upscale, and resort-filled ski town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vail travel costs.

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.

Vail and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vail or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Vail and El Paso are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while El Paso attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Vail is more touristy than El Paso and is known for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Vail different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vail or El Paso Better for Skiing?

Vail is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Vail is among the world's best ski destinations. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

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

El Paso is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Vail and El Paso offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the El Paso area. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Vail or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

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

Vail has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

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 Vail or El Paso Better for Music?

Vail is very good for live music. However, El Paso is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

El Paso is not a live music destination.

Is Vail or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Vail is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is Vail or El Paso Better for Hiking?

Vail 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 Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vail or El Paso?

Vail 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 Vail. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

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 Vail or El Paso More Beautiful?

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

Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vail or El Paso Better for Families?

Vail 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.

Vail is one of the most popular family destinations. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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 Vail or El Paso Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Vail has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Vail or El Paso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as 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 Vail or El Paso Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Vail has some public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

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 Vail or El Paso a more walkable city?

Vail is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vail. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Vail?

How long in Vail or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vail or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vail than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Vail, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

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

One day in Vail or El Paso?

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of El Paso. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Vail or El Paso?

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

El Paso is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Vail or El Paso?

Vail 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 Vail has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the low-key destination of El Paso. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Vail or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The laid-back city of El Paso offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Vail or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Vail 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.