A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roswell, New Mexico vs. El Paso for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

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 El Paso. 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. Other reasons to visit include food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a low-key, undiscovered, and laid-back city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See El Paso travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in El Paso. Although Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso are popular destinations, El Paso has more sights and attractions for tourists. Roswell, New Mexico is more touristy than El Paso and is known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash. El Paso is famous for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food. It is also well known for the El Paso Zoo.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around El Paso. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.


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

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Both Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Roswell, New Mexico has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the El Paso area. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

El Paso 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 El Paso. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

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 the Shopping Better in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

El Paso 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 El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

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 El Paso Better for Families?

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Both Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso are nice family-friendly destinations.

Roswell, New Mexico is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso Better for Couples?

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Neither Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Most people don't think of Roswell, New Mexico as a couple's destination. 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.

El Paso is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso.

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 El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.


Is Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso a more walkable city?

Roswell, New Mexico
El Paso

Roswell, New Mexico is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso to fill your time. In our opinion, El Paso has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in El Paso than Roswell, New Mexico. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in El Paso 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 El Paso.


  • How many days in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso? Ideal Length of Stay
    Roswell, New Mexico 1-2 
    El Paso 1-2

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find food and museums. 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.

In El Paso, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roswell, New Mexico has to offer.

Many people visit El Paso for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in El Paso, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. 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.

The destination of El Paso offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting El Paso. This city 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.


Which place is cheaper, El Paso or Roswell, New Mexico?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Roswell, New Mexico Prices
    USA Prices
    El Paso Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Roswell, New Mexico $148
    El Paso $200

The average daily cost (per person) in Roswell, New Mexico is $148, while the average daily cost in El Paso is $200. 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 Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
    El Paso $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
    El Paso $162
Compare Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso

Looking for a hotel in Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso? 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.

Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico


Hotels in El Paso


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: Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices and El Paso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $38
    El Paso $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Paso

Also for El Paso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • El Paso to El Paso International Airport (ELP) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) to El Paso - Arrival Private Transfer : $67
  • El Paso Airport (ELP) to Truth or Consequences Arrival Transfer: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

Prices for flights to both El Paso and Roswell, New Mexico 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 day
    Roswell, New Mexico $76
    El Paso $93

Typical Food Prices in El Paso

For El Paso, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Rudy's BBQ (family of 4)
    $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $33
    El Paso $27

Tours and Activities in El Paso

For El Paso, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Colorado Springs: Pikes Peak Jeep Tour: $130
  • El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $102
  • Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour: $190
  • Private Downtown City Sightseeing Tour of Juarez Mexico: $120
  • Texas and New Mexico Bundle 4 day Self Guided National Park Tours: $40
  • UTV Adventure Tour / Rental: $275
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $26
  • Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29
    El Paso $27


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


Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or El Paso?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and El Paso, 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.