A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Monterey vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

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 Monterey and Roswell, New Mexico. 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Monterey travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a infamous, quirky, and mysterious town. It's also popular because of the food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Monterey and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Roswell, New Mexico are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Roswell, New Mexico is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Monterey 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 Monterey. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Monterey has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

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

Is Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a good destination for the beach. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

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

Monterey is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Monterey is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Monterey is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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

Monterey is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Monterey and Roswell, New Mexico.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Monterey, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Monterey for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Monterey offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Monterey. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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.