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

Should you visit Moab or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Moab or Saskatoon? 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.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Moab and Saskatoon: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Moab or Saskatoon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Saskatoon are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Moab is more touristy than Saskatoon 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. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Moab different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Moab
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

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 Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moab
Saskatoon

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

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 Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Moab
Saskatoon

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon has a few options to choose from. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

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 Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Moab
Saskatoon

Moab is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Saskatoon?

Moab
Saskatoon

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon offers some nice shopping areas. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Moab or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Moab
Saskatoon

Moab is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Moab or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Moab
Saskatoon

Moab is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.


Is Moab or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Moab
Saskatoon

Moab is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Saskatoon is a good town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Moab or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab
Saskatoon

Moab is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

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

Moab
Saskatoon

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. There is a bus system around 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 Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Moab
Saskatoon

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

Saskatoon is somewhat walkable. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Moab?

How long in Moab or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Moab and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than in Saskatoon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Moab than Saskatoon. 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.


  • How many days in Moab or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Moab 2-5 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Moab or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping around the town of Moab. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Moab or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping around the active destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping around the adventurous town of Moab. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon?

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The friendly city of Saskatoon offers nightlife 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Moab $336
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Moab $672
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Moab and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Moab or Saskatoon? 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 Saskatoon


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 Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Moab $17
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Moab or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $54
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
    Saskatoon $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
  • Self Guided Audio Tour Bundle for Utah's Mighty Five: $30
  • 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 Original Hummer Adventure: Hell’s Revenge Trail Experience: $99
  • Moab’s #1 Rated Guided U-Drive Hell’s Revenge Off-Road Tour: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Moab $66
    Saskatoon $9.60


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

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


Which is Bigger, Moab or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Saskatoon, 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.