A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. And you can't forget about the food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Mazatlan and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Mazatlan different from Roswell, New Mexico?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roswell, New Mexico. Most people stop in town specifically for the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It has a lot of information on the 1947 Roswell Crash and other supposed UFO incidents. Other museums in town include the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, the Roswell Museum, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mazatlan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Roswell, New Mexico area. It's a good place to grab lunch as there are many casual restaurants that serve everything from burgers to tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mazatlan. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Roswell, New Mexico. There's no real nightlife scene and many visitors stop over in route somewhere else.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for the beach. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its old town. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Mazatlan. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Roswell, New Mexico has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Roswell, New Mexico offers lots of family activities. Kids who enjoy a mystery will appreciate a visit to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. There's also the Spring River Park and Zoo which has native animals and a carousel.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Roswell, New Mexico is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's a bit outside the box as far as destinations go, so couples who enjoy the weird and quirky will enjoy a stop here.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Roswell, New Mexico is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people pass through in route to other destinations, and backpackers are no different.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mazatlan is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

Is Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Roswell, New Mexico is a somewhat walkable city. The historic district is compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Roswell, New Mexico Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Roswell, New Mexico 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Roswell, New Mexico offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Mazatlan for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roswell, New Mexico, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most.

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Roswell, New Mexico?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Roswell, New Mexico, 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.