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

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops?

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 Kamloops. 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. Visitors also love the food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops: 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 for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kamloops than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kamloops is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Roswell, New Mexico is more popular for its museums and attractions. Roswell, New Mexico is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. Also, Kamloops is famous for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

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

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Kamloops. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.


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

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Roswell, New Mexico is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its 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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Both Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops offer notable 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 Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Kamloops 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 Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

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 Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Kamloops is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Kamloops 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 Kamloops. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

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 Kamloops Better for Families?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Kamloops 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, Kamloops is very family-friendly. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

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 Kamloops Better for Couples?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Kamloops is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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 Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops.

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 Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Kamloops

Roswell, New Mexico is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.


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

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops to fill your time. In our opinion, Kamloops has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kamloops 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 Kamloops than Roswell, New Mexico. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kamloops, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


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

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops?

The town of Roswell, New Mexico offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamloops, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife 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 Kamloops?

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roswell, New Mexico, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops?

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Kamloops offers food and shopping. 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 Kamloops?

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops 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
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Roswell, New Mexico $148
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Roswell, New Mexico is $148, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. 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 Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops? 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 Kamloops


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 Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $38
    Kamloops $20

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

Prices for flights to both Kamloops 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
    Kamloops $41

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $33
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29
    Kamloops $6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops, we can see that Roswell, New Mexico is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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 Kamloops Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and Kamloops, 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.

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