A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Moab vs. Juneau for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Moab or Juneau?

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

Should I visit Moab or Juneau? 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 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Juneau travel costs.

Moab and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Moab or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Juneau are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is more touristy than Juneau 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. Juneau is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Moab different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau 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 Juneau?

Moab
Juneau

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

Juneau offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State 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 Moab or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moab
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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 Moab or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Moab
Juneau

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Moab and Juneau.

Moab doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Juneau specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Moab or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Moab
Juneau

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Juneau both have first-rate 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 Juneau specifically for its hiking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.


Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Juneau?

Moab
Juneau

Juneau is great for shopping. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Moab offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Moab or Juneau More Beautiful?

Moab
Juneau

Moab and Juneau both are comparable with their first-rate 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 Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Is Moab or Juneau Better for Families?

Moab
Juneau

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Juneau.

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.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly town. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.


Is Moab or Juneau Better for Couples?

Moab
Juneau

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

Juneau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Moab or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab
Juneau

For backpackers, both Moab and Juneau are high quality places to visit.

Moab is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Juneau is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Moab
Juneau

Juneau 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

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 Moab or Juneau a more walkable city?

Moab
Juneau

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

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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 Moab Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Moab?

How long in Moab or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Moab and Juneau. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than in Juneau. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 2-3 days is enough time in Juneau.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Moab or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Moab 2-5 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Moab or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Juneau. 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 Juneau?

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Juneau 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 Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Juneau. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Moab or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The scenic city of Juneau offers museums and food. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Moab?

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

  • Moab Prices
    USA Prices
    Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Moab $416
    Juneau $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Moab is $416, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $196. 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 Moab and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moab $336
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moab $672
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Moab and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Moab or Juneau? 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 Moab


Hotels in Juneau


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: Moab Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moab $17
    Juneau $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Moab or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Moab 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
    Moab $64
    Juneau $85
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.
    Moab $3.13
    Juneau $17
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
  • 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 Premier Sunset U-Drive UTV Hell’s Revenge Tour: $99
  • Moab’s #1 Rated Guided U-Drive Hell’s Revenge Off-Road Tour: $99
  • Moab’s Original Hummer Adventure: Hell’s Revenge Trail Experience: $99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Fishing Experience/Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $189
  • 4-Hour Wildlife and Coastal Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $220
  • Alaska Native Tour and Tram Combo: $145
  • Alpine Segway Wilderness Trail Adventure: $180
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $257
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $145
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour: $129
  • Juneau Lighthouse Tours - Whale watching & Lighthouse Combo: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moab $66
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau

Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour with Scenic Stops: $159


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

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


Which is Bigger, Moab or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Juneau, 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.