A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Moab vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Moab or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Moab or Toronto? 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. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Moab and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Moab and Toronto are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Moab different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

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 Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is very popular for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Hiking?

Moab is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Moab visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Toronto?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto More Beautiful?

Moab is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Moab or Toronto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Toronto.

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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Moab or Toronto Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Toronto make for a excellent 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Moab or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Moab and Toronto are excellent 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.

Toronto is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Moab or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Moab?

How long in Moab or Toronto?

Both Moab and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Moab. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

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

One day in Moab or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Moab or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Moab or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 940 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Toronto, 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.