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

Should you visit Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke 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.

Roanoke and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Roanoke. Although Roanoke and Roswell, New Mexico are both popular with visitors, Roanoke has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Roanoke is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Roswell, New Mexico is known for its food. Roanoke is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also home to the Roanoke Star. Roswell, New Mexico is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roanoke 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 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Roswell, New Mexico is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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 Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke 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 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.

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 Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

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

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. 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.

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 Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

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

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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Roanoke and Roswell, New Mexico both offer decent 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 Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

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

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

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

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 Roswell, New Mexico Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Roanoke 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 Roanoke, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

Couples should spend more time in Roanoke than Roswell, New Mexico. 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 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 Roanoke.

One day in Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find food and museums. 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.

A weekend in Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Roanoke for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roanoke, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find museums and food. 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 Roswell, New Mexico has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Roanoke offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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.