A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Orlando vs. Moab for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orlando or Moab?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Moab? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

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.

Orlando and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Orlando or Moab?

Both Moab and Orlando have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Moab is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Moab is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park.

How is Orlando different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Orlando
Moab

Moab is adequate for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Orlando or Moab Better for Theater?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando is a popular place for theatre. However, Moab is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Moab is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando
Moab

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando 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 Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando or Moab Better for Resorts?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Moab Better for Hiking?

Orlando
Moab

Moab is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Moab?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Moab More Beautiful?

Orlando
Moab

Moab is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Orlando is not a destination known for its 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.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Moab Better for Families?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando 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, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando or Moab Better for Couples?

Orlando
Moab

Moab is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.


Is Orlando or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orlando
Moab

Moab is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Moab Better for Students?

Orlando
Moab

Orlando is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

Orlando
Moab

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando or Moab a more walkable city?

Orlando
Moab

Moab is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Moab is generally not a very walkable town. 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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Orlando Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Moab?

In either Orlando or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Orlando because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Orlando, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moab than Orlando 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 Orlando or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orlando 7 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Orlando or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

A weekend in Orlando or Moab?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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.


Five days in Orlando or Moab?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Orlando. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Orlando or Moab?

The active city of Orlando offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Orlando?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Orlando Prices
    USA Prices
    Moab Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Orlando $368
    Moab $416

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $368, while the average daily cost in Moab is $416. 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 Orlando and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $154
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $308
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Orlando and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Orlando or Moab? 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 Orlando


Hotels in Moab


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: Orlando Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $66
    Moab $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to The Villages: $295
  • Private Transfer from Four Corners to Port Canaveral: $295
  • Transfer: Lake Buena Vista Hotels To/From Orlando Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Port Canaveral: $287
  • Private Transfer from Orlando (MCO) Airport to Lakeland: $282
  • Private Transfer from Leesburg to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer to Davenport: $275
  • Private Transfer from Altamonte Springs to Port Canaveral: $270
  • Private Transfer from Sand Lake to Port Canaveral: $262
  • Private Transfer from Auburndale to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $262
  • Private Transfer from Davenport to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $262
  • Private Transfer from Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport to Haines City: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Orlando 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
    Orlando $113
    Moab $64
Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $39
  • Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour: $40
  • Orlando Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Experience: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Orlando: $75
  • Immersive Pasta Making Cooking Class: $75
  • Pirates Adventure Dinner Show with Drinks: $80
  • Speakeasy Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Orlando: $82
  • Titanic: First Class Dinner Gala Tickets in Orlando: $84
  • Ivanhoe Village Food Tour with Tastings: $88
  • Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89
  • Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando: $90
  • Milk District Eats Walking Food Tour: $90

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.
    Orlando $204
    Moab $3.13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

  • 2 HR Interactive Walking Ghost Tour in Downtown Orlando: $78
  • 90 minute Everglades Airboat Tour near Orlando Florida : $89
  • 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Tour Central Florida: $68
  • 1 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of The Famous Chain of Lakes: $27
  • 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes: $42
  • 2 Hour Investigative Walking Ghost Tour of Downtown Orlando: $53
  • 2 hours E-Bike with 2-Child Trailer Kissimmee Lakefront Tour : $69
  • 2Park 1Day Park-to-Park + 1Day Universal Epic Ticket: $349
  • 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories: $30
  • After hours 31 Mile Helicopter Tour Over All The Theme Parks: $155
  • Basic Drill: Orlando’s Introductory Tactical Training Experience: $100
  • Bill Drill: Orlando’s Most Thrilling Tactical Training Adventure: $125

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.

  • BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!: $48
  • 2 Hours Guided UTV Tour in Moab Utah: $137
  • 2 hour Moab Ebike Petroglyph Tour: $117
  • 2.5 Hour Moab Hell's Revenge You Drive Off Road UTV Tour: $149
  • 3-Hours Sunset Arches National Park Pavement Sights Tour: $173
  • 3.5 Hour HELL'S REVENGE and FINS & THINGS You Drive UTV Tour: $239
  • 30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $85
  • Afternoon Arches National Park 4x4 Tour: $210
  • Afternoon Canyonlands Island In The Sky 4X4 Tour: $210
  • Arches National Park 4x4 Adventure from Moab: $197
  • Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $249
  • Arches National Park Airplane Tour: $249

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $30
    Moab $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Winter Park Bar Crawl: $15
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Caribbean Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting: $40
  • Sanford’s Haunted Brewery Tour: $43
  • A Toast to the Ghost Haunted Pub Crawl in Downtown Orlando: $45
  • Brews and Bites Brewery Walking Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $90
  • Chef's Table and Wine Tasting Tour: $300


When comparing the travel costs between Orlando and Moab, we can see that Moab is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Orlando or Moab?

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