A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Monterey vs. Moab for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey or Moab?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Monterey and Moab. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Monterey

Monterey is a laid back, relaxing, and nature-oriented city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Monterey travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Monterey and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Monterey, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Monterey is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Moab is more touristy than Monterey 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. Monterey is well known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood.

How is Monterey different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moab and Monterey. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Monterey or Moab?

Monterey is great for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Monterey 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 Monterey. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Moab Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Moab Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Moab Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a popular place for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Monterey is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Moab?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Moab More Beautiful?

Moab is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Monterey or Moab Better for Families?

Monterey 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, Monterey is a very family-friendly destination. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Moab is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Monterey or Moab Better for Couples?

Monterey and Moab both superb destinations for a couple.

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Couples visit Moab frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Monterey or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey or Moab a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is very walkable. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around 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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Moab?

In either Monterey or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Monterey because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Moab?

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

The beautiful town of Moab offers shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Moab?

Monterey 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.

Moab is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moab, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Moab?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the laid back destination of Monterey. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moab, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Monterey or Moab?

The relaxing city of Monterey offers shopping and museums. 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.

Moab is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Moab?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Monterey and Moab, 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.