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

Should you visit Roanoke or Boston?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Boston? 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Boston travel costs.

Roanoke and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Boston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boston than Roanoke. Boston is bigger than Roanoke, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Boston is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roanoke is more popular for its hiking. Boston is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Boston is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Boston has many famous sights for visitors. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Roanoke or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Boston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Roanoke or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston 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 Boston has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Roanoke or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Roanoke is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is adequate for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Boston is one of the most recognized in the world. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Boston?

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Boston both offer plenty of notable spots.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Boston is a great destination for shopping. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Roanoke or Boston More Beautiful?

Boston is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boston offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The history, architecture, and world renowned university campuses all give this city its unique beauty.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Roanoke or Boston Better for Couples?

Roanoke is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Boston are notable places to visit.

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

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Roanoke or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

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

Boston has a great public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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 Roanoke or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Boston is a very easy city to get around on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Boston?

In either Roanoke or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Roanoke because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Boston?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Boston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Roanoke or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Roanoke. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Boston, 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 Roanoke or Boston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Roanoke or Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Roanoke is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Roanoke in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Boston. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Boston. The autumn months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In October, Roanoke is generally a little warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 60°F (16°C), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Boston. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Boston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. Roanoke is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 38°F (3°C) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Boston. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Roanoke is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Roanoke in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives less rain than Boston. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Roanoke