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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Moab?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Moab, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Guadalajara and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Moab, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Guadalajara. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene 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 Guadalajara or Moab Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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 Guadalajara or Moab Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is great for its historic old town. However, Moab does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Moab does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Moab draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Moab?

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

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 Guadalajara or Moab Better for Families?

Moab is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination 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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Moab Better for Couples?

Moab is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Guadalajara or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Guadalajara and Moab are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Moab is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Moab a more walkable city?

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

Guadalajara is very walkable. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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 Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Moab?

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous town of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Moab?

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Moab. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Moab?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Guadalajara. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active town of Moab. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Moab?

The historical city of Guadalajara offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and food when visiting Moab. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Moab?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara 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.