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

Should you visit Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a mysterious, infamous, and quirky town. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Santa Monica and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Monica than Roswell, New Mexico, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Monica is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. Also, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Pier. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Santa Monica and Roswell, New Mexico.

Santa Monica offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History 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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

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

Santa Monica has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town 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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Monica offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Santa Monica is well-known for its shopping. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement 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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Monica. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Roswell, New Mexico is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a very popular place 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.

Santa Monica is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Santa Monica?

How long in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Roswell, New Mexico, many people enjoy the museums and food that this mysterious town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Santa Monica for a weekend. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Roswell, New Mexico is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

The destination of Santa Monica offers shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the infamous destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Monica or Roswell, New Mexico?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Santa Monica 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.