Moab is an adventurous town known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Moab, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Moab?
A typical traveler spends $416 per day on a trip to Moab. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Moab based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $64 on meals
- $17 on local transportation
- $671 on hotels
A one-week trip to Moab for two people costs, on average, $5,824. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,912
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$5,824
-
One Month
Per person
$12,480
-
One Week
For a couple
$5,824
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$11,648
-
One Month
For a couple
$24,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Moab cost?
A one week trip to Moab usually costs around $2,912 for one person and $5,824 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Moab on average costs around $5,824 for one person and $11,648 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Moab will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Moab on average costs around $12,480 for one person and $24,960 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Moab expensive to visit?
In Moab, budget travelers spend $150 per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $416 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,342 per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Moab.
Moab is a popular town that appeals to many visitors, featuring an array of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Moab can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Moab is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Moab is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Moab Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Moab?
The average Moab trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Moab travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Moab cost?
Moab on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$111
|
$336
|
$1,168
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$13
|
$17
|
$25
|
|
Food2
|
$26
|
$64
|
$154
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3.13
|
$3.13
|
$3.13
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$14-41
|
$33-99
|
$74-221
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Moab. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $150 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Moab will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $416 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $1,342. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the town will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Moab Private Half-Day Canyoneering - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Moab
Prices for hotels in Moab vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $399, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $745. With options ranging from $234 to $1,317, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Moab for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $671. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $336 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Moab? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Moab include:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab starting at $269
- Aarchway Inn starting at $224
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Moab starting at $232
- MainStay Suites Moab near Arches National Park starting at $283
- Sleep Inn & Suites Moab near Arches National Park starting at $283
When visiting Moab with your family, look for an apartment or accommodation that offers more space to keep everyone comfortable.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Moab, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Moab
The public transit system in Moab is not very good. 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.
Unfortunately, the majority of the town is not very conducive to walking. 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.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 per person, per day, on local transportation in Moab. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Moab is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
Most people have a private vehicle when they explore southern Utah. National parks and natural beauty is the appeal of the area and only with a vehicle will you have access to the most impressive views and incredible hikes. From Moab you can easily access both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Dead Horse Point State Park is also nearby.
When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.
How much does it cost to go to Moab? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Moab will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Moab
Food options are limited and not of the best quality in Moab. It's better not to spend too much money trying to eat out because there are other activities that are more worth your time. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Moab can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Moab is $64 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$64
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Moab is around $64 ($64) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $154. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Moab are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $19 to $45
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Moab is a small town but amenities have continued to grow as the popularity of the nearby parks continues to grow. There are a handful of good restaurants in the area. Moab Brewery is on South Main Street and is a great place for both food and beer. There's a separate dining and bar area as well as billiards and television. If you're traveling with kids, ZAX has a decent pizza bar in a family friendly setting. Other options in the area include Singha Tai Cuisine, Pasta Jay's, and La Hacienda.
When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Moab, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner for $129 details
- Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show for $108 details
Below are some standard food costs in Moab, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
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Moab Brewery
$42
-
Breakfast for Two
$17
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Moab
Tourists can't resist Moab, especially for its well-known hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Moab typically cost an average of $3.13 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$3.13
Most people use Moab as a base for visiting the nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. This town also makes a great starting point for a southern Utah road trip.
Arches NP is strikingly beautiful with a very unique landscape. It has a large concentration of natural arches that have been shaped by the area's geography and climate. The arches are surprisingly diverse in their size, style, and general integrity. The area also has some interesting wildlife and plant life. Park rangers run regular guided tours of the area, and in the evening they offer programs that discuss the park's history and geography. Although the programs are often targeted at children, many adults also find them very enjoyable and informative. Of course, there are plenty of great hikes in Arches that are worth experiencing, some long and some short, but all are beautiful.
Canyonlands National Park has a beautiful landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes that have been formed by the Colorado River, the Green River, and many tributaries.
Another interesting place to visit is the Museum of Moab, which is a fifty year old museum that highlights the history, geology, and paleontology of the area. In fact, this is just one of many things to do in Moab outside of the national parks. Visitors can also go hiking, rafting or kayaking, 4-wheeling, camping, and more.
Moab is all about the outdoors. There are some wonderful hikes in the area that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. They take you through the area's dramatic landscape and allow you to see some strikingly beautiful arches. There's also a nice campground in the park called Devil's Garden Campground. You will likely need reservations in advance during the peak months. Another option is to visit the park's back country, but a permit is required.
River rafting on the Colorado river is also popular. There are several vendors in the area that offer guided trips along the river. Most people book a one day trip along the Fisher Towers Section, which is a 14 mile stretch that is relaxing and appropriate for families and those with children.
Hiking:
The hiking around Moab offers breathtaking views. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Moab. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks! For $99 details
- Private Half-Day Canyoneering Tour in Moab for $224 details
- Moab Private 4x4 Tour On Hell's Revenge for $289 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Moab. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
-
Slickrock Trail Pass
$5.00
Nightlife Budget in Moab
The nightlife in Moab is fairly quiet and relaxed. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $66 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Moab per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$66
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 28, 2025
Traveling in Moab
Sunset at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah
Moab is the closest town to Arches National Park in Utah's Canyon Country. It is also a popular base for exploring Canyonlands National Park. It's a small town that serves mainly to accommodate tourists to the popular national parks and other surrounding wildlife areas. It has grown dramatically in recent years and has a population of just over 5,000. In town you will find hotels and motels, a handful of restaurants and a few shops where you can stock up on supplies. There's a small museum, the Museum of Moab, and a variety of tour operators in town. You can easily book river rafting trips, jeep expeditions, and tours of the surrounding area. For many, exploring Arches National Park on your own is a more enjoyable and independent experience.
The general climate of the area is very desert like. You can expect very hot summers, with temperatures often reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold winters, with temperatures dropping to below freezing. Plan your trip accordingly, as you will spend most of your time outdoors.
Neighborhoods & Around
Moab is a small town that serves as a tourist base for those visiting the nearby national parks. The town has a Main Street where you'll find a few restaurants and tour companies. The Main Street is along US Route 191. Traveling north away from town you'll reach Arches National Park, Canyonland Field Airport and Interstate 70. Utah State Route 279 provides access to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. For a more established route, travel farther north on Hwy 191 to Utah State Route 313.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.