A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cincinnati vs. Moab for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cincinnati or Moab?

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

Should I visit Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a hard-working, blue collar, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a active, scenic, and adventurous town. The famous beauty of Moab is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Cincinnati and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
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
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cincinnati or Moab?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Cincinnati and Moab are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Cincinnati attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Moab is more touristy than Cincinnati and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also well known for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Cincinnati is famous for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Cincinnati different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cincinnati or Moab?

Cincinnati
Moab

Cincinnati is great for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Cincinnati offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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 Cincinnati or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cincinnati
Moab

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

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 Cincinnati or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Cincinnati
Moab

Cincinnati is a popular place for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

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 Cincinnati or Moab Better for Hiking?

Cincinnati
Moab

Moab is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cincinnati or Moab?

Cincinnati
Moab

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moab and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers some nice shopping areas. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.

Moab has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Cincinnati or Moab More Beautiful?

Cincinnati
Moab

Moab is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cincinnati or Moab Better for Families?

Cincinnati
Moab

Moab is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Moab is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.


Is Cincinnati or Moab Better for Couples?

Cincinnati
Moab

Moab is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Moab frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

Is Cincinnati or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cincinnati
Moab

Moab is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Moab is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.

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

Cincinnati
Moab

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

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 Cincinnati or Moab a more walkable city?

Cincinnati
Moab

Cincinnati is great for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Cincinnati is very walkable. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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 Cincinnati Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Cincinnati?

How long in Cincinnati or Moab?

In either Cincinnati or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Cincinnati because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cincinnati, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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


  • How many days in Cincinnati or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cincinnati 1-2 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Cincinnati or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cincinnati. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With shopping around the active town of Moab, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cincinnati or Moab?

Cincinnati is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With shopping around the destination of Moab, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Cincinnati or Moab?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hard-working destination of Cincinnati. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Moab, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Cincinnati or Moab?

The hard-working city of Cincinnati offers nightlife and food. 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Cincinnati?

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

  • Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cincinnati $223
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in Cincinnati is $223, 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 Cincinnati and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cincinnati $102
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cincinnati $204
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Cincinnati and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati


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: Cincinnati Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cincinnati $25
    Moab $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Cincinnati or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Cincinnati 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
    Cincinnati $95
    Moab $64

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.
    Cincinnati $26
    Moab $3.13

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
  • Self Guided Audio Tour Bundle for Utah's Mighty Five: $30
  • 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 Original Hummer Adventure: Hell’s Revenge Trail Experience: $99
  • Moab’s #1 Rated Guided U-Drive Hell’s Revenge Off-Road Tour: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cincinnati $11
    Moab $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cincinnati and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Cincinnati much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cincinnati would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.

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


Which is Bigger, Cincinnati or Moab?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Cincinnati 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.