A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Moab for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a active, scenic, and adventurous town. You'll find world class beauty in Moab as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Isla Mujeres and Moab are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Isla Mujeres attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Moab is more touristy than Isla Mujeres 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. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

Moab is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

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 Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

Both Isla Mujeres and Moab are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

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 Isla Mujeres or Moab More Beautiful?

Moab is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Moab as well. 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.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Moab is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is very popular for romance. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Moab are superb destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

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.

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

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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 Isla Mujeres or Moab a more walkable city?

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

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Moab, many people enjoy the shopping that this active town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Moab is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Moab, many people enjoy the shopping that this adventurous destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Moab?

The relaxing island of Isla Mujeres 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 to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Moab?

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