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

Should you visit Roanoke or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Santa Fe? 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe 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 museums, skiing, and live music. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Roanoke and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Fe than Roanoke. While Roanoke is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, food, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Roanoke different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for skiing. However, Roanoke is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Roanoke is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great town for hiking. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

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

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Santa Fe.

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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Roanoke is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Roanoke and Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Roanoke or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area 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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

In either Roanoke or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Roanoke because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

The town of Roanoke offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Santa Fe, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This historic town 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 Santa Fe?

Roanoke 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the 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 Santa Fe, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

Roanoke 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.

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Santa Fe?

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Fe. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Santa Fe. 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 comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Santa Fe, we can see that Roanoke is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roanoke Expensive? and Is Santa Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Santa Fe?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Santa Fe, 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.