A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Roanoke for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Roanoke can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a jam-packed, high energy, and party-filled beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach travel costs.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Roanoke travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Roanoke are popular destinations, Myrtle Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Myrtle Beach is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also well known for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach 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 Roanoke. 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Myrtle Beach and Roanoke both to be reasonable destinations.

Myrtle Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

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 Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Myrtle Beach is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for the beach. However, Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Roanoke to go 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Families?

Roanoke is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roanoke. 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is a great destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is very good for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is a great beach city for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Roanoke is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and Roanoke both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable beach city. 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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Myrtle Beach and Roanoke. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Myrtle Beach than in Roanoke. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Myrtle Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Roanoke.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roanoke than Myrtle 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 Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Roanoke, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Roanoke is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the laid back destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Roanoke is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Roanoke, we can see that Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive? and Is Roanoke Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle 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 Myrtle Beach or Roanoke?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Myrtle Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Roanoke because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the summer, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun.

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Roanoke. The autumn months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

In the autumn, Myrtle Beach is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Myrtle Beach in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Myrtle Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during autumn. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Myrtle Beach usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Roanoke. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. In January, Myrtle Beach is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 45°F (7°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

In the winter, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Myrtle Beach is around the same temperature as Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during spring. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Myrtle Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Roanoke. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Myrtle Beach