A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Moab vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Moab or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Moab or Jasper National Park? 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.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. The famous beauty of Moab is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and adventure-filled national park. Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Moab and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Jasper National Park are both popular with visitors, Moab has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Moab is more touristy than Jasper National Park and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Jasper National Park is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Moab different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Moab or Jasper National Park.

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.

Jasper National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

Is the Food Better in Moab or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Moab and Jasper National Park offer decent local cuisine and restaurants.

Moab offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Moab is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Moab is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Jasper National Park both have fantastic trails.

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.

Many people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Moab is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Moab and Jasper National Park both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and 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.

You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Jasper National Park.

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.

Jasper National Park is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Jasper National Park make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Jasper National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jasper National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Jasper National Park. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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.

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

Neither Moab or Jasper National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Moab or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Moab is a town with a few options for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Moab Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Moab?

How long in Moab or Jasper National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Moab than Jasper National Park. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park.

One day in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Jasper National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Moab is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Jasper National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Moab or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Moab for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Moab. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Jasper National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Moab or Jasper National Park?

The active destination of Moab offers shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The adventure-filled national park of Jasper National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.

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

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