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

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

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 Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico

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

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Cody, Wyoming has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cody, Wyoming is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also well known for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming and Roswell, New Mexico. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Both Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cody, Wyoming area. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

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 Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for its old town. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Cody, Wyoming. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.


Is Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Cody, Wyoming offers some nice hiking trails. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

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

Cody, Wyoming is well-known for its shopping. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in 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 Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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, Cody, Wyoming is very family-friendly. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

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 Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

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

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

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

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Roswell, New Mexico is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good 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 Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Roswell, New Mexico
Cody, Wyoming

Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable town. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.


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

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cody, Wyoming than in Roswell, New Mexico. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Roswell, New Mexico, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming.


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

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the quirky destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Because Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.


A week in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find museums and food around the town of Roswell, New Mexico. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Roswell, New Mexico is $117, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $157. 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 Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Roswell, New Mexico


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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: Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $38
    Cody, Wyoming $46

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

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Roswell, New Mexico 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
    Roswell, New Mexico $44
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roswell, New Mexico $33
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

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

  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298
  • Yellowstone Custom Wildlife and Nature Tour: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29
    Cody, Wyoming $18


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


Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Cody, Wyoming?

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

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