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

Should you visit Marathon or Moab?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, nightlife, and food.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Marathon and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Moab?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Moab. Although Marathon and Moab are both popular with visitors, Moab has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Moab is more popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Marathon is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Moab is more touristy than Marathon and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Marathon is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Marathon different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Moab is adequate for its historical sights. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Moab offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Marathon 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 Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

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 Marathon or Moab Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. However, Moab is not a resort destination.

Marathon is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Moab Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Moab is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Moab Better for Beaches?

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

Marathon is considered a top beach destination. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Moab Better for Hiking?

Moab is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Moab?

Moab is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. 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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Moab Better for Families?

Marathon and Moab are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Moab is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Marathon or Moab Better for Couples?

Marathon and Moab are both very good to visit as a couple.

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting 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.

Is Marathon or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Marathon or Moab offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. 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 Marathon or Moab a more walkable city?

Marathon and Moab are decent when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Moab?

In either Marathon or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than Moab because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Moab than Marathon 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 Marathon or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of Marathon. 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.

The beautiful town of Moab offers shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Moab?

Marathon 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.

Moab is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moab, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Marathon. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moab, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Moab?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quaint island of Marathon. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Moab?

Marathon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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.