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

Should you visit Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico? 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a opulent, pristine, and affluent coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a infamous, quirky, and mysterious town. Other popular activities here include food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Santa Barbara and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Santa Barbara and Roswell, New Mexico are both popular with visitors, Santa Barbara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Barbara is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also home to The Old Mission Santa Barbara. Roswell, New Mexico is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Santa Barbara different from Roswell, New Mexico?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Roswell, New Mexico. 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.

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

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is very popular for the beach. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Santa Barbara offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a good destination for its old town. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santa Barbara. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Barbara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

Santa Barbara is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico More Beautiful?

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

Santa Barbara is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

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

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Santa Barbara 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, Santa Barbara is very family-friendly. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

Santa Barbara is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

Many students visit Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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

Is Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Santa Barbara than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Santa Barbara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Santa Barbara, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mysterious destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

The beautiful destination of Santa Barbara offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the quirky destination of Roswell, New Mexico. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal 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.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Roswell, New Mexico. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Barbara or Roswell, New Mexico?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Santa Barbara and Roswell, New Mexico, 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.