A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Roanoke for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

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 Blue Ridge and Roanoke. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Blue Ridge than Roanoke, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Blue Ridge is better known for its food, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Roanoke is more popular for its museums. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Also, Blue Ridge is famous for Chattahoochee National Forest. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Blue Ridge different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Roanoke is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Roanoke? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Blue Ridge and Roanoke.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Roanoke has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Hiking trails can be found around both Blue Ridge and Roanoke, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Families?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge is a great town 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 Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge and Roanoke both superb destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Is Blue Ridge or Roanoke Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Roanoke is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge
Roanoke

Blue Ridge is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Roanoke 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Blue Ridge or Roanoke? Ideal Length of Stay
    Blue Ridge 2-5 
    Roanoke 1-3

One day in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back town of Roanoke, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roanoke, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Roanoke, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Roanoke, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Roanoke is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Roanoke or Blue Ridge?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, while the average daily cost in Roanoke is $164. 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 Blue Ridge and Roanoke in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Blue Ridge $67
    Roanoke $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Blue Ridge $134
    Roanoke $192
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Roanoke

Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge or Roanoke? 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 Blue Ridge


Hotels in Roanoke


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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices and Roanoke Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Blue Ridge $34
    Roanoke $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Prices for flights to both Roanoke and Blue Ridge 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
    Blue Ridge $35
    Roanoke $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roanoke

For Roanoke, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Roanoke Ebike Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Blue Ridge $18
    Roanoke $35

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

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

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29

Tours and Activities in Roanoke

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Roanoke.

  • 3-Hour E-Bike Sightseeing and Breweries Tour in Roanoke: $98
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – Driving Audio Tour (Roanoke ↔ Afton): $15
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Roanoke to Afton) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia) Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia Audio Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Mountain Bike Tour from The Roanoke Star: $120
  • Roanoke Downtown Food and Cultural Tour: $70
  • Roanoke Holiday Season E-Bike Tour: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Blue Ridge $20
    Roanoke $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Roanoke. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 81°F (27°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C) 
    Roanoke 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Roanoke. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C) 
    Roanoke 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Blue Ridge in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C) 
    Roanoke 38°F (3°C)

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Blue Ridge is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 62°F (17°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Roanoke. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C) 
    Roanoke 59°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Roanoke
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 38°F (3°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 79°F (26°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm) 42°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)