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

Should you visit San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

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 San Diego and Roswell, New Mexico. 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.

San Diego

San Diego is a outdoorsy, idyllic, and fun-filled coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

San Diego and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Diego than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Diego is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Also, San Diego is famous for The San Diego Zoo. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

San Diego 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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both San Diego and Roswell, New Mexico.

San Diego has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

San Diego has a large number of nightlife venues. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Music?

San Diego is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in San Diego while you're in town. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a live music destination.

Is San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Diego makes a nice vacation spot. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

San Diego is very popular for the beache. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

San Diego offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Hiking?

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

San Diego 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 San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

San Diego 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, San Diego is very family-friendly. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

San Diego is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Students?

San Diego is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular place to visit for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

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

San Diego and Roswell, New Mexico both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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

Is San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

San Diego and Roswell, New Mexico are notable when it comes to walkability.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in San Diego than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for San Diego, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

In San Diego, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Roswell, New Mexico. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roswell, New Mexico has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit San Diego for a weekend. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the infamous destination of Roswell, New Mexico. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

In San Diego, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Diego, five days is sufficent for most.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the mysterious town of Roswell, New Mexico. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Diego. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This coastal 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Diego or Roswell, New Mexico?

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