A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Moab for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit La Paz or Moab?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Moab can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Moab

Moab is a active, scenic, and adventurous town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

La Paz and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Moab?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although La Paz and Moab are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while La Paz attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Moab is more touristy than La Paz and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also well known for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere.

How is La Paz different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Moab?

La Paz
Moab

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

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Moab? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz 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 La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Moab Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz 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 La Paz has a few options to choose from. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

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 La Paz or Moab Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Moab is not a resort destination.


Is La Paz or Moab Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Moab Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz is very popular for its beaches. However, Moab is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Moab Better for Hiking?

La Paz
Moab

Moab is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Around Moab visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Moab?

La Paz
Moab

La Paz 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 La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Moab Better for Families?

La Paz
Moab

Both La Paz and Moab are excellent to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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.

Is La Paz or Moab Better for Couples?

La Paz
Moab

Moab is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.


Is La Paz or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Moab

Both La Paz and Moab are excellent destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option 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.

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

La Paz
Moab

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

While La Paz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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 La Paz or Moab a more walkable city?

La Paz
Moab

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

La Paz is very walkable. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Moab?

In either La Paz or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than La Paz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Moab 2-5

One day in La Paz or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Moab?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Moab?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the authentic destination of La Paz. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in La Paz or Moab?

The cultural city of La Paz offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Moab. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or La Paz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $118, while the average daily cost in Moab is $388. 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 La Paz and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $52
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $104
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Moab

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $22
    Moab $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $241
  • Private La Paz Airport Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventana: $230
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and La Paz 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
    La Paz $38
    Moab $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81

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: $99
  • Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Paz $13
    Moab $3.13

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
  • 6 Hours Shared Tour in Espiritu Santo Island for Cruise Travelers: $192
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $168
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170

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.

  • La Sal Mountain Loop: Scenic Self-Driving App Tour: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive: Half-Day Audio Driving Private Tour : $8.99
  • Canyonlands National Park: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • Arches National Park: Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain: Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: $13
  • Arches National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Explore Arches, Canyonlands & La Sal Audio Tour Guide: $19
  • Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour: $25
  • Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum Entrance Ticket: $28
  • Ultimate Utah Combo Self-Driving Audio Tour: $40
  • Utah: The Grand Circle Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $12
    Moab $66


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

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Moab?

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