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

Should you visit Roanoke or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Phoenix? 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 scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Phoenix travel costs.

Roanoke and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Roanoke than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Roanoke, Roanoke has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Roanoke is very popular for its hiking, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its food. Roanoke is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also well known for the Roanoke Star. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Roanoke different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Phoenix and Roanoke.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roanoke. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Phoenix is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Phoenix is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Roanoke and Phoenix.

If you're looking for night time activities Roanoke has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Roanoke or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great town for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Phoenix?

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Phoenix both offer plenty of nice 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Roanoke or Phoenix Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Phoenix.

Roanoke offers lots of family activities. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Roanoke or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Roanoke is a great town for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Roanoke or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Roanoke is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Roanoke and Phoenix both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Roanoke or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Roanoke and Phoenix are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Phoenix?

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

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

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Phoenix?

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Phoenix, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Roanoke or Phoenix?

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

In Phoenix, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Phoenix?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

Phoenix is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Roanoke or Phoenix?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. 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 Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Roanoke or Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Roanoke is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Roanoke is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Phoenix. The winter months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

The weather in Roanoke can be very cold. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Phoenix.

Roanoke is much colder than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Roanoke