A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Moab vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Moab or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Moab or Vancouver? 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. Many visitors also come to Moab because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Moab and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver. Although Moab and Vancouver are both popular with visitors, Vancouver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vancouver is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is known for its impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Vancouver and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park.

How is Moab different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Travelers visit Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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 Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is great for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Vancouver for the nightlife scene. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Vancouver both have amazing 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 Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Vancouver?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Moab is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Moab or Vancouver Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Vancouver.

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.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly town. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Moab or Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Moab and Vancouver are superb 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.

Vancouver is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Moab or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

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

Vancouver has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

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

Vancouver is a very easy city to get around on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun 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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Moab?

How long in Moab or Vancouver?

In either Moab or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vancouver has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vancouver than Moab. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

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

One day in Moab or Vancouver?

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.

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

You'll find shopping around the adventurous 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.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find shopping around the active 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.

Vancouver is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Vancouver?

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 diverse city of Vancouver offers nightlife 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, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Moab or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Vancouver, 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.