A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Moab for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Moab?

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 Cocoa Beach and Moab. 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Moab is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Also, Moab is famous for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

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

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cocoa Beach. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

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 Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Moab is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach is great for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Moab is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Moab is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Moab.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Moab is a great destination for shopping. 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 Cocoa Beach or Moab More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Moab is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

Moab is a very kid-friendly beach 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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach and Moab both superb destinations for a couple.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

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.


Is Cocoa Beach or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Moab is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Moab. 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.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

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

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Moab a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Moab

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

In either Cocoa Beach or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cocoa Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Moab. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. 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 active town of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Moab. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town 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 adventurous town of Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Cocoa Beach or Moab?

The relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping when visiting Moab. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Cocoa Beach?

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

  • Cocoa Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, 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 Cocoa Beach and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Moab $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Cocoa 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
    Cocoa Beach $75
    Moab $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

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.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Moab $3.13

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $75
  • 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
  • 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Craigcat Tours : $190
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Boat Tour Wildlife Refuge: $78
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $79

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.

  • BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!: $48
  • 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: $117
  • 2.5 Hour Moab Hell's Revenge You Drive Off Road UTV Tour: $149
  • 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour: $173
  • 3.5 Hour HELL'S REVENGE and FINS & THINGS You Drive UTV Tour: $239
  • 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Afternoon Arches National Park 4x4 Tour: $210
  • Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour: $210
  • Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab: $197
  • Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $249
  • Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab: $210
  • Arches National Park Backcountry Tour: $252

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Moab $66


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Moab?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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.