A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Portland, Maine vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a infamous, quirky, and mysterious town. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Portland, Maine and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland, Maine. Although Portland, Maine and Roswell, New Mexico are both popular with visitors, Portland, Maine has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portland, Maine is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Roswell, New Mexico is known for its museums. Portland, Maine is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. It is also home to The Portland Head Light. Roswell, New Mexico is popular for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine 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 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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 Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Portland, Maine for it's beautiful beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

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 Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is a decent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

The Christmas holiday can be fun in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Roswell, New Mexico does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland, Maine. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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 Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

Portland, Maine makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine.

One day in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Portland, Maine, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife 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.

The infamous destination of Roswell, New Mexico offers food and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

The town of Roswell, New Mexico offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

The beautiful destination of Portland, Maine offers food and shopping. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This coastal 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Roswell, New Mexico. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Roswell, New Mexico?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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.