Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Roanoke?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Roanoke or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Roanoke or Tucson? 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.
Where Should I go: Roanoke or Tucson?
Roanoke
Roanoke is a charming city located in the western region of the U.S. state of Virginia. Sometimes called the "Star City of the South" or the "Magic City," Roanoke lies in the scenic Roanoke Valley with Mill Mountain as a local icon, topped with a lighted 100-foot star. The city itself is home to many museums and opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
-
Roanoke Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRoanoke $199Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Roanoke is $199, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Roanoke and Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRoanoke $96Tucson $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRoanoke $192Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Roanoke and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Roanoke or Tucson? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Roanoke Hotel Prices and Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Roanoke $23Tucson $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Roanoke or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson and Roanoke change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayRoanoke $83Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke
For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Roanoke $35Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Roanoke
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.
- 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $109
- Blue Ridge Mountain E Bike Tour: $155
- Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $24
- Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Downtown Roanoke Food, History & Cultural Tour: $80
- E-Bike Mural Tour of Roanoke: $88
- Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $139
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRoanoke $30Tucson $16
When comparing the travel costs between Roanoke and Tucson, 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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Tucson?
Tucson has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke and Tucson, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.