A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Moab vs. Anchorage for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Moab or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Moab or Anchorage? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Moab and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Anchorage are both popular with visitors, Moab has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Moab is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also home to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Moab different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Anchorage is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Anchorage is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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 Moab or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Moab and Anchorage offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Moab or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is decent in both Moab and Anchorage.

Moab doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Moab or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Moab and Anchorage both have terrific trails.

People visit Moab specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Anchorage?

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Anchorage both offer plenty of good spots.

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.

Anchorage offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Moab or Anchorage Better for Families?

Moab is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly town. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Moab or Anchorage Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Moab and Anchorage make for a excellent place to visit.

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.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Moab or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Neither Moab or Anchorage offer decent 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Moab or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Moab and Anchorage are decent when it comes to walkability.

Moab is generally not a very walkable town. 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.

Anchorage is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Moab Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Moab?

How long in Moab or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Moab and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Moab or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and food around the adventurous 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.

Anchorage is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Moab or Anchorage?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic destination of Anchorage. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Moab or Anchorage?

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.

The nature-oriented city of Anchorage offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Moab or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Anchorage, 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.