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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Roswell, New Mexico

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

Mystic and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Mystic has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mystic is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its New England charm and local character. It is also well known for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

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

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Mystic 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 Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Roswell, New Mexico can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

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 Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Mystic is a very popular place for the beache. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mystic for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.


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

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Mystic 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, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Mystic is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

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

Mystic
Roswell, New Mexico

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

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

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

How long in Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico than Mystic 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 Roswell, New Mexico.


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

One day in Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Mystic, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Roswell, New Mexico. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Mystic for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Mystic offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the quirky destination of Roswell, New Mexico. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, 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 Mystic and Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico and Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

Tours and Activities in Mystic

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

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Roswell, New Mexico?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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.