A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Moab for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Moab? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. The famous beauty of Moab is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Acapulco de Juarez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Moab is more touristy than Acapulco de Juarez and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Acapulco de Juarez or Moab.

Acapulco de Juarez offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

While most people don't head to Moab specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.


Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Moab is not a resort destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Moab is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moab and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab More Beautiful?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Moab is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Moab is one of the main draws. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Moab.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Moab is a very family-friendly destination. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for romance. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Moab is a very popular place to visit for couples. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Moab is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Moab is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Moab a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Moab

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

In either Acapulco de Juarez or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Acapulco de Juarez has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Moab. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Moab. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acapulco de Juarez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Moab. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Moab 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 Acapulco de Juarez.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Moab. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Acapulco de Juarez is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Moab is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the adventurous town of Moab. Most people visit for the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer.


Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the well-known destination of Acapulco de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the destination of Moab. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the hiking. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

The built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Moab is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Moab is $416. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Moab? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Moab


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Moab $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $45
    Moab $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Typical Food Prices in Moab

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Moab:


  • Moab Brewery
    $42
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moab

For Moab, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Moab $3.13

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • Museums, Magic City Market & Meals: A Cultural Tour of Acapulco: $129
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $83
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Moab

For Moab, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Slickrock Trail Pass
    $5.00

Tours and Activities in Moab

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

  • Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Utah Mighty 5 National Parks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tours: $33
  • BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!: $48
  • Hell's Revenge 4x4 Off-Roading Tour from Moab: $49
  • US Classic Southwest Adventure Self Guided Audio Tours: $72
  • 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • BEST! Catacomb *CAVES* U-Drive 4X4 UTV Tour in Moab +Petroglyphs!: $89
  • Flatwater Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour on Colorado River: $95
  • Hell's Revenge Hummer Adventure: $97
  • Moab’s Premier Sunset U-Drive UTV Hell’s Revenge Tour: $99
  • Moab’s #1 Rated Guided U-Drive Hell’s Revenge Off-Road Tour: $99
  • Moab’s Original Hummer Adventure: Hell’s Revenge Trail Experience: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Moab $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Moab Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Moab?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Moab, 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.