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

Should you visit Durango 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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums.

Roswell, New Mexico

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

Durango and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Durango. Although Durango and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Durango has more sights and attractions for tourists. Durango is very popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Roswell, New Mexico attracts visitors for its food. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. It is also well known for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

Is Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Durango or Roswell, New Mexico.

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Roswell, New Mexico offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Durango or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Roswell, New Mexico is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Roswell, New Mexico. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Neither Durango or Roswell, New Mexico offer decent nightlife.

Durango doesn't offer many options. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

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

Durango 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 Durango. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

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

Is Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

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

Shoppers can find a variety of reasonable stores in both Durango and Roswell, New Mexico.

Durango is a good destination for shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

If you're looking to go shopping, Roswell, New Mexico has some nice offerings. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.

Is Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Christmas?

Durango is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

Christmas holiday activities are popular when visiting Durango. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Durango 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, Durango is very family-friendly. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

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 Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Neither Durango or Roswell, New Mexico is generally regarded as a top spot for a couple to visit.

Durango is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Most people don't think of Roswell, New Mexico as a couple's destination. 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 Durango or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

Roswell, New Mexico is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people pass through in route to other destinations, and backpackers are no different.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

How long in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Durango 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 Durango, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

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

One day in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roswell, New Mexico has to offer.

Five days in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

Because Durango is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This small 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Durango or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.