A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Aspen vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a charming, quaint, and vibrant ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Roswell, New Mexico

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

Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roswell, New Mexico is known for its museums. Aspen is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Roswell, New Mexico is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

Is Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Skiing?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.


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

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Music?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

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

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.


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

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Christmas?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas markets.


Is Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Both Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aspen. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Roswell, New Mexico offers lots of family activities. 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 Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

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

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen 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.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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


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

Aspen
Roswell, New Mexico

Aspen 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.

Aspen is a very walkable ski town. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

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

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

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

How long in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aspen than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aspen 3-5 
    Roswell, New Mexico 1-2

One day in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

In Roswell, New Mexico, many people enjoy the food and museums that this quirky destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Aspen for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most.

Roswell, New Mexico is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski 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 infamous destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


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


Which place is cheaper, Roswell, New Mexico or Aspen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aspen is $293, while the average daily cost in Roswell, New Mexico is $117. 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 Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aspen $170
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aspen $340
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Aspen and Roswell, New Mexico

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


Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico


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: Aspen Hotel Prices and Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aspen $56
    Roswell, New Mexico $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:

  • Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) - Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $269
  • Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $218

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

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico and Aspen 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
    Aspen $85
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aspen $45
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

Tours and Activities in Aspen

Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Scenic Walking Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $40
  • Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $40
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $40
  • Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $40
  • From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $40
  • Highlights of Aspen Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aspen $20
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29


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


Which is Bigger, Aspen or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen 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.