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

Should you visit Miami 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 Miami and Moab can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Moab

Moab is a adventurous, active, and scenic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Miami and Moab: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Miami or Moab?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Miami. Although Miami and Moab are both popular with visitors, Miami has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Moab is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park.

How is Miami different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Miami
Moab

Moab is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Miami
Moab

Miami 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, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Moab

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

Miami is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami or Moab Better for Music?

Miami
Moab

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

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Moab is not a live music destination.


Is Miami or Moab Better for Resorts?

Miami
Moab

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Moab is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Moab Better for Beaches?

Miami
Moab

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Moab is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Moab Better for Hiking?

Miami
Moab

Moab is an amazing town to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

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.

Miami is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Moab?

Miami
Moab

Miami 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 Miami. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami or Moab Better for Families?

Miami
Moab

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Moab.

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Moab is very family-friendly. 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 Miami or Moab Better for Couples?

Miami
Moab

Both Miami and Moab are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Moab is a great beach city 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.


Is Miami or Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Moab

Moab is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Moab Better for Students?

Miami
Moab

Miami is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

Miami
Moab

Miami 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 Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around 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 Miami or Moab a more walkable city?

Miami
Moab

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

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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 Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Moab Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moab or Miami?

How long in Miami or Moab?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Miami or Moab?

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

In Moab, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Moab?

Miami 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Miami or Moab?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamorous big city of Miami. This beach 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.

Moab is a fun place to experience. In Moab, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Moab?

The diverse beach city of Miami offers nightlife and live music. 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.

You'll find shopping and food around the adventurous destination of Moab. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Moab or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, 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 Miami and Moab in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $132
    Moab $336
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $264
    Moab $672
Compare Hotels in Miami and Moab

Looking for a hotel in Miami 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 Miami


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Moab Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $38
    Moab $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Transfer to West Palm Beach: $420
  • From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
  • From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
  • From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
  • Private Airport Transfer From Miami Airport to Hotels and Home: $255
  • Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
  • Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
  • Guided Tour with Transfer from Cruise Port to Airport: $184
  • Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
  • Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
  • Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
  • Private Magic City Tour with Transfers: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Moab?

Prices for flights to both Moab and Miami 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
    Miami $41
    Moab $37
Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

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

  • Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
  • Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
  • Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

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.
    Miami $31
    Moab $3.13

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
  • Cultural Brunch Experience in Miami: $75
  • Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
  • Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
  • 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
  • 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
  • 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
  • 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
  • 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
  • 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
  • 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80

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
  • Arches National Park: Driving Tour with Audio Guide: $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
  • La Sal Mountain: Scenic Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12
  • Canyonlands National Park Self-Driving Tour: $13
  • La Sal Mountain Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $22
    Moab $66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


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

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


Which is Bigger, Miami or Moab?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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.