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

Should you visit Moab or Boulder?

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

Should I visit Moab or Boulder? 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 active, scenic, and adventurous town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and food.

Boulder

Boulder is a biker-friendly, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Moab and Boulder: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Boulder?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Boulder are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Boulder attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, and music. Moab is more touristy than Boulder and is known 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. Boulder is famous for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries.

How is Moab different from Boulder?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Skiing?

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Moab is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Boulder to take advantage of their winter sports. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Moab is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Moab or Boulder.

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.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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

Both Moab and Boulder offer nice 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 Boulder. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Nightlife?

Boulder 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 Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

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 Moab or Boulder Better for Music?

Boulder is a popular place for live music. However, Moab is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boulder is active and vibrant. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Moab is not a live music destination.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Hiking?

Moab is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Boulder is a popular spot for hiking. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Is the Shopping Better in Moab or Boulder?

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Boulder both offer plenty of nice 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.

Boulder offers some nice shopping areas. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Families?

Moab is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Couples?

Moab is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Boulder is a good town for couples to visit. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Moab is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boulder is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Is Moab or Boulder Better for Students?

Boulder is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Moab is not popular with students.

Boulder is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Moab is not popular with students.

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

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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 Moab or Boulder a more walkable city?

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

Boulder is somewhat walkable. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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 Moab Worth Visiting? and Is Boulder Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boulder or Moab?

How long in Moab or Boulder?

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

Families should spend more time in Moab than Boulder. 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.

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

One day in Moab or Boulder?

In Moab, you'll find food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Boulder. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Moab or Boulder?

In Moab, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer.

Boulder is a fun place to experience. 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 Boulder?

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moab has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the biker-friendly destination of Boulder. 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 Boulder?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Many people enjoy the shopping and food when visiting Moab. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The outdoorsy city of Boulder offers nightlife and live music. 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 Boulder, we can see that Moab is more expensive. And not only is Boulder much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Boulder would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boulder 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 Boulder.

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

Which is Bigger, Moab or Boulder?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab and Boulder, 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.