A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Roanoke for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke? 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke travel costs.

West Palm Beach and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Visitors will usually find more to do in West Palm Beach than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. West Palm Beach is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Roanoke is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Also, West Palm Beach is famous for Rosemary Square. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is West Palm Beach different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roanoke and West Palm Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both West Palm Beach and Roanoke offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

West Palm Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Roanoke. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, West Palm Beach is a great choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Roanoke is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in West Palm Beach. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great town for hiking. However, West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Families?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in West Palm Beach. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and Roanoke make for a high quality place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is West Palm Beach or Roanoke a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

For even more information, also check out Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both West Palm Beach and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Roanoke. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for West Palm Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

Couples should spend more time in West Palm Beach than Roanoke. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in West Palm Beach that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than West Palm Beach 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 Roanoke.

One day in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The laid back destination of Roanoke offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The town of Roanoke offers museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is West Palm Beach Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Roanoke, 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.

When is the best time to visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

In July, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Roanoke. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, West Palm Beach is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in West Palm Beach in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

In April, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Roanoke. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and West Palm Beach