A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Big Sur vs. Moab for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Moab?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Moab can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and hiking.

Big Sur and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Moab than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Moab is better known for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches. Moab is more touristy than Big Sur 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. Big Sur is well known for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views.

How is Big Sur different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Moab?

Moab is adequate for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Moab can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Moab offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Big Sur or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Moab is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Moab doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Moab Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Moab specifically for its hiking. 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.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Moab?

Moab is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Moab has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Moab Better for Families?

Moab is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Moab. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Moab Better for Couples?

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

Big Sur makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Big Sur or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Neither Big Sur or Moab offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in 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 Big Sur or Moab a more walkable city?

Moab is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its 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.

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Moab or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Moab?

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

Families should spend more time in Moab than Big Sur. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moab than Big Sur 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.

One day in Big Sur or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Moab, you'll find food and 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 Big Sur or Moab?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Moab, you'll find shopping and food. 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 Big Sur or Moab?

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. This natural area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Big Sur or Moab?

The remote natural area of Big Sur offers 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Many people enjoy the shopping and food 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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