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

Should you visit Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

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 Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico. 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.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a desert, historic, and traditional town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a quirky, mysterious, and infamous town. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Albuquerque. Although Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Albuquerque has more sights and attractions for tourists. Albuquerque is famous for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. It is also well known for The Old Town. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Albuquerque 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.

Albuquerque has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is very popular for its old town. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque has a world-famous historical area. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

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

Is Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

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

Albuquerque offers some nice hiking trails. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

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

Albuquerque is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Albuquerque is well-known for its shopping. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

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

Albuquerque offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Roswell, New Mexico is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

Albuquerque makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Students?

Albuquerque is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Albuquerque. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

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

Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

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

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

Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico are nice when it comes to walkability.

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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

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

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

How long in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Albuquerque than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Albuquerque, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

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

One day in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Albuquerque, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mysterious town of Roswell, New Mexico. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Albuquerque for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Albuquerque, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the mysterious destination of Roswell, New Mexico. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Albuquerque offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The quirky town of Roswell, New Mexico offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

When comparing the travel costs between Albuquerque and Roswell, New Mexico, we can see that Albuquerque is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albuquerque Expensive? and Is Roswell, New Mexico Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albuquerque or Roswell, New Mexico?

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