A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Moab vs. Moncton for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Moab or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Moab or Moncton? 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 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.

Moncton

Moncton is a quaint, compact, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Moncton travel costs.

Moab and Moncton: Pros and Cons

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 nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Moab or Moncton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Moncton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Moncton is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Moab is more touristy than Moncton 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. Moncton is well known for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Moab different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Moab
Moncton

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

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian 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 Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moab
Moncton

Moncton is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Moncton. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

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 Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Moab
Moncton

The vibe at night is respectable in both Moab and Moncton.

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 Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Moab or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Moab
Moncton

Moab is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Moncton?

Moab
Moncton

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Moncton both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. 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.

Moncton offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Moab or Moncton More Beautiful?

Moab
Moncton

Moab is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Moab or Moncton Better for Families?

Moab
Moncton

Moab is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton 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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.


Is Moab or Moncton Better for Couples?

Moab
Moncton

Moab is great for couples. Also, Moncton 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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Moab or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab
Moncton

Moab is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination 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.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

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

Moab
Moncton

Moncton 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 Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

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 Moncton a more walkable city?

Moab
Moncton

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

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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 Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Moab?

How long in Moab or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Moab or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Moab than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Moab than Moncton. 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 Moncton. 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 Moab than Moncton 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 Moab.


  • How many days in Moab or Moncton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Moab 2-5 
    Moncton 1-2

One day in Moab or Moncton?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Moncton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Moab or Moncton?

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.

Moncton is a fun place to experience. 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.


Five days in Moab or Moncton?

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.

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

A week in Moab or Moncton?

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.

The compact city of Moncton offers museums and food. 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton 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
    Moncton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Moab $416
    Moncton $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Moab is $416, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $148. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moab $336
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moab $672
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Moab and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Moab or Moncton? 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 Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moab $17
    Moncton -

Is it cheaper to fly into Moab or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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
    Moncton $97
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
    Moncton $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

Tours and Activities in Moncton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Moncton.

  • Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moab $66
    Moncton $4.54


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

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


Which is Bigger, Moab or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Moncton, 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.