A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roswell, New Mexico vs. Columbia River Gorge for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 quirky, mysterious, and infamous town. It's also known for food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, Columbia River Gorge has more sights and attractions for tourists. Columbia River Gorge is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Roswell, New Mexico attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also well known for Vista House at Crown Point. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

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

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge 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, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

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

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful 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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Roswell, New Mexico?

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than in Roswell, New Mexico. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Roswell, New Mexico, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Roswell, New Mexico. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roswell, New Mexico has to offer.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Roswell, New Mexico is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Roswell, New Mexico for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Roswell, New Mexico. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge offers food and shopping. 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.

A week in Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

The quirky destination of Roswell, New Mexico offers food and museums. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This region 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Roswell, New Mexico Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Columbia River Gorge?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and Columbia River Gorge, 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.