A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Las Vegas vs. Moab for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a glamourous, ritzy, and colorful entertainment capital. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Las Vegas and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Strip
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Las Vegas or Moab?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas and Moab are both popular with visitors, Las Vegas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Las Vegas is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also home to The Strip. Moab is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park.

How is Las Vegas different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas
Moab

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

Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

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 Las Vegas or Moab Better for Theater?

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas is very popular for theatre. However, Moab is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Moab is not a theatre destination.

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

Las Vegas
Moab

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

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

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 Las Vegas or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas is very popular for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Las Vegas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

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 Las Vegas or Moab Better for Music?

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas is very popular for live music. However, Moab is not a live music destination.

Las Vegas is known as a music capital around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Moab is not a live music destination.

Is Las Vegas or Moab Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas
Moab

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Las Vegas or Moab Better for Hiking?

Las Vegas
Moab

Moab is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas 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.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas is very popular for shopping. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Las Vegas. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

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 Las Vegas or Moab Better for Families?

Las Vegas
Moab

Moab is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

Moab is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Las Vegas or Moab Better for Couples?

Las Vegas
Moab

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

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

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 Las Vegas or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Las Vegas
Moab

Moab is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

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

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

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 Las Vegas or Moab a more walkable city?

Las Vegas
Moab

Las Vegas is a popular place for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Las Vegas is somewhat walkable. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Las Vegas?

How long in Las Vegas or Moab?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.


  • How many days in Las Vegas or Moab? Ideal Length of Stay
    Las Vegas 2-7 
    Moab 2-5

One day in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Moab. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and food around the active destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas is a sexy big city where you can fill many days. This entertainment capital offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the adventurous town of Moab. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


A week in Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas is a ritzy entertainment capital where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Las Vegas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Las Vegas is $310, 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 Las Vegas and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Las Vegas $158
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Las Vegas $316
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Las Vegas and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas


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: Las Vegas Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Las Vegas $53
    Moab $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • 24 Hr Bus Pass
    $15
  • 24 hrs Deuce Bus
    $7.00
  • Taxi from Airport to the Strip
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:

  • Los Angeles: Private Transfer to/from Las Vegas: $2,000
  • West Grand Canyon Helicopter Ticket with Transfer: $509
  • Las Vegas to Los Angeles Transfer in SUV: $432
  • Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
  • Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS): Transfer to Las Vegas: $239
  • Las Vegas Airport LAS Round-Trip Private Transfer in SUV: $212
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Las Vegas Airport LAS to Las Vegas in Business Car: $202
  • From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
  • Manila ATV Mountain Trail Adventure(with Transfers***): $175
  • Round trip Private Transfer Las Vegas airport by eco friendly premium cars: $168
  • Private One Way Transfer from McCarran Airport to Las Vegas Strip Hotels by SUV : $155
  • Departure Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS in Luxury SUV: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Las Vegas or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Las Vegas 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
    Las Vegas $80
    Moab $37
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $5.00
  • Deep Fried Twinkie
    $1.07
  • Chocolate Dip Banana
    $1.07
  • Gelato
    $5.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.

  • Guest Artists Chuck Wagon Dinner Show in Henderson: $49
  • Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show at the Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience : $65
  • Manila A Walking Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink: $70
  • Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
  • Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
  • Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
  • Downtown Las Vegas Food Tour: $89
  • Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
  • Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
  • Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110

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.
    Las Vegas $78
    Moab $3.13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:


  • Wedding Chapel
    $139
  • Atomic Testing Museum (two people)
    $12
  • Gondola Ride (4 person)
    $64
  • Monorail Ride
    $5.00
  • NY NY Rollercoaster
    $14
  • Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass
    $26

Tours and Activities in Las Vegas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:

  • 4 Gun Vegas Desert Shooting Adventure with Lunch from Las Vegas: $199
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Las Vegas: $85
  • Manila Street Food Walking Experience ( Shared ) : $70
  • Nellis Desert Exploration Jeep Tour Off Road You Drive We Guide: $283
  • Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon Guided Trike or Slingshot Tour : $189
  • 1 Day Tour at Valley of Fire and Zion Park: $209
  • 1-Day Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Bus Tour: $199
  • 1-Day Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park Tour: $249
  • 1.5 Hr Las Vegas Strip Limo Tour with Champagne and Photos: $549
  • 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!): $22
  • 1.5-Hour Guided Raft Tour at the Base of the Hoover Dam: $69
  • 2 Hour Las Vegas Desert Off Road Adventure: $175

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
  • Canyonlands National Park: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $8.99
  • La Sal Mountain Loop Scenic Drive: Half-Day Audio Driving Private 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
    Las Vegas $55
    Moab $66

Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:

  • Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
  • Off The Beaten Path Bar Crawl: $45
  • Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
  • Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $50
  • Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
  • Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl : $50
  • Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
  • Red Velvet Burlesque Show in Las Vegas: $55
  • Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
  • Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61


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

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


Which is Bigger, Las Vegas or Moab?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Las Vegas 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.