A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Virginia Beach vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife and beaches.

Roswell, New Mexico

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

Virginia Beach and Roswell, New Mexico: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roswell, New Mexico than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roswell, New Mexico is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe. Roswell, New Mexico is well known for being the site of an alleged UFO crash. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is famous for the International UFO Museum and Research Center.

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Roswell, New Mexico offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky 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 Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

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

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a resort destination.


Is Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Virginia Beach is a good destination for the beache. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Roswell, New Mexico is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Roswell, New Mexico has some nice offerings. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf 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 Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

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

Virginia Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

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 Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Students?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Virginia Beach is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Roswell, New Mexico is not popular with students.

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

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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 Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Virginia Beach
Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Virginia Beach than Roswell, New Mexico because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Roswell, New Mexico.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico than Virginia Beach 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 Roswell, New Mexico.


  • How many days in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico? Ideal Length of Stay
    Virginia Beach 5-7 
    Roswell, New Mexico 1-2

One day in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. 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.

In Roswell, New Mexico, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Virginia Beach for a weekend. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Virginia Beach, five days is sufficent for most.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Roswell, New Mexico. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Virginia Beach has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Roswell, New Mexico. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Roswell, New Mexico or Virginia Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Virginia Beach is $126, while the average daily cost in Roswell, New Mexico is $117. 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 Virginia Beach and Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Virginia Beach $71
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Virginia Beach $142
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Virginia Beach and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico? 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 Virginia Beach


Hotels in Roswell, New Mexico


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: Virginia Beach Hotel Prices and Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Virginia Beach $39
    Roswell, New Mexico $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico and Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach $30
    Roswell, New Mexico $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Virginia Beach $21
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Virginia Beach.

  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $87
  • Kayak Dolphin Experience in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $90
  • Neptune Ghosts: Ghosts of the Coast By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Dolphin Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour: $60
  • Kayak Dolphin Tours | Must Know How to Swim: $78
  • Morning Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Neptune Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Sunset Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour: $45
  • Virginia Historic Adventure!: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Virginia Beach $11
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29


When comparing the travel costs between Virginia Beach and Roswell, New Mexico, we can see that Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach Expensive? and Is Roswell, New Mexico Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Roswell, New Mexico?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach 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.