A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Moab vs. Niagara Falls for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Moab or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Moab or Niagara Falls? 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Moab and Niagara Falls: 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 nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Moab or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Niagara Falls are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Niagara Falls attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Moab is famous 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. Niagara Falls is famous for the large volume of water that flows over it.

How is Moab different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Moab
Niagara Falls

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Moab or Niagara Falls.

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.

Niagara Falls offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Moab or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls has a few options to choose from. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

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 Moab or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Moab is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.


Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Niagara Falls?

Moab
Niagara Falls

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Niagara Falls both offer plenty of nice 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.

Niagara Falls offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Moab or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Moab is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Is Moab or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Moab is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Moab or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Moab
Niagara Falls

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Niagara Falls make for a high quality 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.

Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Moab or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab
Niagara Falls

Moab is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Moab
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system 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 Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Moab
Niagara Falls

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

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Moab?

How long in Moab or Niagara Falls?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moab than Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Moab 2-5 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Moab or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the active destination of Moab. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. 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 Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find shopping around the beautiful town of Moab. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The breathtaking city of Niagara Falls offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Moab $416
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Moab is $416, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moab $336
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moab $672
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Moab and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Moab or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls


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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moab $17
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $293
  • Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $276
  • Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $257
  • ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $202
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $177
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls, New York: $138
  • Private-Safe Transfer from Niagara Falls, Canada to Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF): $110
  • Private Transfer from Buffalo Intl, Airport (BUF) to Niagara Falls Canada: $110
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Moab or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls $53
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $177
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine and Dinner Tour in Private SUV: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Moab $3.13
    Niagara Falls $19
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 Niagara Falls

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


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Fireworks & Falls Glow Walking Tour Canada + Skylon Tower : $48
  • Historic Walking Private Tour at Niagara Falls: $35
  • Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $293
  • "Niagara Virtual" Parasailing Adventure in VR!: $26
  • 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $44
  • 3-Hour 30-Minute Private Guided Tour in Niagara Falls: $145
  • 4 hr Summer Fun Tour - Niagara Falls Canada: $142
  • 4-Hour Niagara Falls Boat Tour w/ Maple & Chocolate Tastings: $80
  • Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour: $132
  • All American Tour : $99
  • All Attractions Niagara Falls American Tour with Boat Much More: $120
  • All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour W/Boat Ride,Cave & Much MORE: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moab $66
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $118
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $147


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

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


Which is Bigger, Moab or Niagara Falls?

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