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

Should you visit Roanoke or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Roanoke or Seattle? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Roanoke travel costs.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Seattle travel costs.

Roanoke and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Seattle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Seattle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle 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 Seattle has something for everybody. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

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 Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a great city for its music scene. However, Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Seattle has a thriving music scene. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a popular place for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Seattle is a good option for a beach vacation. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Roanoke and Seattle both have very good trails.

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.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Seattle?

If you're looking to go shopping, Roanoke and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Roanoke or Seattle More Beautiful?

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

Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Roanoke is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Roanoke or Seattle.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Couples?

Roanoke is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Seattle are nice places to visit.

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

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Roanoke or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

Seattle is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

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

While Seattle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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 Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roanoke and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Roanoke. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Roanoke, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

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

One day in Roanoke or Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Seattle?

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.

Because Seattle 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. 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 Seattle has to offer.

Five days in Roanoke or Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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.

A week in Roanoke or Seattle?

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 Seattle. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Seattle. 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.

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 Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Seattle?

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

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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Roanoke during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the summer, Roanoke often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Seattle. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Roanoke is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Seattle. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Roanoke or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Roanoke as well as Seattle. Most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Roanoke usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Seattle. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Roanoke