A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Memphis vs. Moab for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Memphis or Moab?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Memphis or Moab, 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.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Memphis travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Many visitors also come to Moab because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Memphis and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Memphis or Moab?

Both Moab and Memphis have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Memphis is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Moab is more popular for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Memphis different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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 Memphis or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Memphis 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 Memphis. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

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 Memphis or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is great for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Memphis for the nightlife scene. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis or Moab Better for Music?

Memphis is very popular for live music. However, Moab is not a live music destination.

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Moab is not a live music destination.

Is Memphis or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Moab draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Memphis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Memphis or Moab?

Moab is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Memphis or Moab More Beautiful?

Moab is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Moab because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Memphis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Memphis or Moab Better for Families?

Moab is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Moab. 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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Memphis or Moab Better for Couples?

Moab is a great town for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Moab is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Memphis or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Memphis or Moab Better for Students?

Memphis is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

Memphis is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis or Moab a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Memphis?

How long in Memphis or Moab?

In either Memphis or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Memphis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Memphis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

Families should spend more time in Moab than Memphis. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Memphis 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 Memphis.

One day in Memphis or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Memphis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Moab, you'll find shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Memphis or Moab?

Memphis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

In Moab, you'll find shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer.

Five days in Memphis or Moab?

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

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Memphis or Moab?

The soulful city of Memphis offers nightlife and live music. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Many people enjoy the shopping when visiting Moab. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Memphis or Moab?

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