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

Should you visit Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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. It's also known for food and museums.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Roswell, New Mexico and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Roswell, New Mexico and Sun Valley are popular destinations, Sun Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sun Valley is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Roswell, New Mexico attracts visitors for its museums. Sun Valley is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also well known for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Roswell, New Mexico different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a skiing destination.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Roswell, New Mexico is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sun Valley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Roswell, New Mexico area. 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 Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

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 Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

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 Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley 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, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

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 Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for couples.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

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 Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Sun Valley has some very good public transit options. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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

Is Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sun Valley. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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

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

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

How long in Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

Both Roswell, New Mexico and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Roswell, New Mexico. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Roswell, New Mexico, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

With museums and food around the infamous 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 Sun Valley, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley for a weekend. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

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.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sun Valley, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

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.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This town offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sun Valley has to offer.

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

Which is Bigger, Roswell, New Mexico or Sun Valley?

Roswell, New Mexico has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Roswell, New Mexico and Sun Valley, 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.