A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Roswell, New Mexico vs. Rapid City for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

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 Rapid City. 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 mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Rapid City

Rapid City is a activity-filled, friendly, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rapid City than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rapid City is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore and many other iconic parks. Also, Rapid City is famous for Mount Rushmore. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Rapid City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rapid City 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 Rapid City?

Rapid City is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rapid City are world-renowned. You'll find a wide variety of museums and landmarks nearby. Popular places to visit that aren't far from town include the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, and the Journey Museum & Learning Center. There's also the Museum of Geology and the National Presidential Wax Museum. And of course, there's the iconic Mount Rushmore.

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 Rapid City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Roswell, New Mexico and Rapid City offer notable 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 Rapid City area. You'll find local restaurants in town that serve local specialties such as chislic (grilled meat), fry bread, and walleye (a local fish.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City Better for Nightlife?

Rapid City is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Rapid City. You'll find some places with live music and good drinks, but the city isn't really known for its nightlife scene.

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 Rapid City Better for Hiking?

Rapid City is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rapid City. The region is filled with national parks, state parks, and natural areas with wonderful hiking trails. You don't have to travel far to get into nature and experience some of South Dakota's best natural beauty.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

Rapid City 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 Rapid City. Rapid City has some interesting local shops as well as larger malls and shopping centers.

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 Rapid City Better for Families?

Rapid City is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rapid City is very family-friendly. Nearby national parks and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for exploring the area with kids. Nearby you'll find the Big Thunder Gold Mine, which has tours and lets you pan for gold, and Custer State Park, which is filled with wildlife. Wall Drug is worth a stopoff, as is Dinosaur Park.

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 Rapid City Better for Couples?

Rapid City is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Rapid City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the amazing national parks in the area and the easy access to iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore. There are many opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as great hiking trails and unique landscapes.

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 Rapid City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rapid City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Rapid City. Backpackers will appreciate the surrounding natural beauty and the nearby national parks.

Roswell, New Mexico is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people pass through in route to other destinations, and backpackers are no different.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Roswell, New Mexico and Rapid City.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rapid City. While there are a few buses, this isn't a realistic option for traveling through the region.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City a more walkable city?

Roswell, New Mexico is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Rapid City is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Rapid City is generally not very walkable. While the downtown is walkable, most visitors use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, and this requires a car.

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

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

It's fun to spend time in either Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rapid City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Roswell, New Mexico, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rapid City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rapid City 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 Rapid City.

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

With museums and food around the quirky town of Roswell, New Mexico, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Roswell, New Mexico, one day is sufficent for most.

In Rapid City, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Lots of people come for the museums. 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.

A weekend in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

With food and museums around the destination of Roswell, New Mexico, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Many people visit Rapid City for a weekend. Lots of people come for the museums. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rapid City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

Roswell, New Mexico, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The destination of Rapid City offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Rapid City. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Roswell, New Mexico and Rapid City, we can see that Roswell, New Mexico is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Rapid City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Rapid City?

Rapid City has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and Rapid City, 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.