A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Roanoke for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Orlando or Roanoke?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Roanoke? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Roanoke

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

Orlando and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Roanoke?

You'll generally find more things to do in Orlando than Roanoke. Orlando is bigger than Roanoke, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping, while Roanoke is more popular for its museums and hiking. Orlando is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Orlando different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orlando or Roanoke?

Roanoke is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Roanoke Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Roanoke is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Orlando and Roanoke.

If you're looking for night time activities Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Roanoke Better for Resorts?

Orlando is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Roanoke is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is great for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Roanoke?

Orlando is a great city 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Roanoke Better for Christmas?

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Roanoke does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Roanoke does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Roanoke Better for Families?

Orlando is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Roanoke Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Orlando and Roanoke both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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.

Is Orlando or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Roanoke is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Roanoke?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Roanoke than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Roanoke?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Orlando or Roanoke?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Orlando. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Roanoke has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Roanoke?

Orlando is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Orlando or Roanoke?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Roanoke?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

In July, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In July, Orlando usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orlando or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke and Orlando during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Orlando is much warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. Orlando usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orlando and Roanoke. Many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Orlando is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orlando in January average around 59°F (15°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

In January, Orlando usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orlando or Roanoke in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Roanoke.

In April, Orlando is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 72°F (22°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in April than Roanoke. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Orlando