A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Roswell, New Mexico vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Roswell, New Mexico and Banff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. And you can't forget about the food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a outdoorsy, sporty, and adventurous town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico and Banff: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Banff than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Banff is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Roswell, New Mexico is more popular for its museums and attractions. Banff is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Also, Banff is famous for Lake Louise. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Banff and Roswell, New Mexico. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Roswell, New Mexico offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Banff has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Roswell, New Mexico area. 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.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Banff has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

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 Roswell, New Mexico or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Banff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

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

Banff 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 Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

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 Roswell, New Mexico or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Banff is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roswell, New Mexico. 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 Roswell, New Mexico or Banff Better for Couples?

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

Banff is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

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

Banff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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

Banff is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Banff has some public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is generally limited in Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

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

Banff is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Banff is a very walkable town. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Roswell, New Mexico Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

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

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

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

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

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

In Roswell, New Mexico, many people enjoy the food and museums that this mysterious destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Banff 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 Banff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

Roswell, New Mexico is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Banff, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

You'll find museums and food around the infamous destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Banff is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roswell, New Mexico and Banff, we can see that Roswell, New Mexico is more expensive. And not only is Banff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banff 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 Roswell, New Mexico would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Roswell, New Mexico than you might in Banff.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Roswell, New Mexico Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Banff?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and Banff, 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.