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

Should you visit Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a quirky, mysterious, and infamous town. It's also known for food and museums.

Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Norfolk. Although Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Norfolk has more sights and attractions for tourists. Roswell, New Mexico is more touristy than Norfolk and is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence. It is also well known for the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

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

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Both Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Both Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Roswell, New Mexico has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Norfolk is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Most people don't think of either Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico as a couple's destination.

Norfolk is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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


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

Norfolk
Roswell, New Mexico

Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico both are nice when exploring on foot.

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

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

How long in Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. In our opinion, Norfolk has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Norfolk than Roswell, New Mexico. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Norfolk, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Norfolk for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Norfolk offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. This city 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $166, 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 Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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 Norfolk


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Roswell, New Mexico $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $101
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $126
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $162
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Norfolk $14
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $95
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $104
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $67
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $95
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Norfolk $10
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29


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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Roswell, New Mexico?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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.