A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jacksonville vs. Roanoke for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Jacksonville or Roanoke?

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 Jacksonville and Roanoke. 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Jacksonville and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jacksonville than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Roanoke is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Jacksonville is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jacksonville is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great city for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Jacksonville is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Roanoke are nice family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Roanoke are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Jacksonville or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Roanoke. In our opinion, Jacksonville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Jacksonville than Roanoke. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Roanoke 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 Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

In Jacksonville, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Roanoke?

In Jacksonville, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jacksonville has to offer.

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Jacksonville 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 nightlife and shopping around the laid back destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Jacksonville or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jacksonville. 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.

Roanoke is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Roanoke, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Roanoke.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Roanoke, 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.

When is the best time to visit Jacksonville or Roanoke?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Roanoke. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Roanoke. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Jacksonville