A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Antigua Guatemala for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala? 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.

Where Should I go: Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala?

Oaxaca de Juarez

Officially known as Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca is the capital and largest city in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It's a beautiful colonial city in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. The city has beautiful architecture and a variety of festivals as well as a tree lined square called El Zocalo. Oaxaca's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and it is a wonderful place to see Mexican art and handicrafts. There are many artists and artisans in Oaxaca and the contemporary art scene is on the rise. The artists combine the area's rich indigenous culture and tradition with a modern twist. While you're in the area you should definitely make a point of experiencing the area's wonderful museums, interesting architecture, charming hotels and unique twist on Mexican cuisine.

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Oaxaca de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Antigua Guatemala Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Antigua Guatemala $75

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $75. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez and Antigua Guatemala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Antigua Guatemala $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Antigua Guatemala

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala? 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 Oaxaca de Juarez


Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


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: Oaxaca de Juarez Hotel Prices and Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Antigua Guatemala $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $465
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $436
  • 4 Day Oaxaca Excursion with Transfer included: $300
  • Discover Puerto Escondido One Day Trip Shuttle Coastal Transfer: $142
  • Oaxaca Airport: Private Transfer Service: $130
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $72
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $59
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $51
  • Transfer from Oaxaca Airport to your accommodation: $43
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Semuc Champey or Coban: $182
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to Semuc Champey Lanquin: $145
  • Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $90
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach: $75
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Panajachel: $75
  • Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Pana)OneWay: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala?

Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala and Oaxaca de Juarez 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
    Oaxaca de Juarez $24
    Antigua Guatemala $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oaxaca de Juarez

For Oaxaca de Juarez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oaxaca: Walking Traditional Food Tour with Ancestral Drinks: $26
  • Food Tour at the 20 de Noviembre Market (All Inclusive): $52
  • Oaxaca: Guided Food Tour with Local Chef and food experts: $54
  • Legends and Ghosts Sightseeing Tour in Downtown Oaxaca with Dinner: $55
  • Oaxaca Hidden Street Food Tour Led by Local food experts: $59
  • Taste Oaxaca Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • FOOD TOUR IN THE ABASTOS MARKET: $61
  • Oaxaca: Evening Street Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $66
  • Oaxaca Streets Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $71
  • Bike Ride and Street Food Tour in Oaxaca: $72

Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.29
  • Lunch
    $7.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
  • Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
  • Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
  • Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
  • Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
  • Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop: $75
  • Cooking Class With Local Family: $84
  • Antigua Local: Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Antigua Guatemala $15

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $128
  • 8-Hour Monte Albán Tour from Oaxaca: $51
  • Amazing Waterfall Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains: $80
  • Among Flowers and Candles: A Tour of Oaxaca's Cemeteries: $86
  • An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $84
  • Ancestral Mezcal Tour Experience-A pre Hispanic Heritage: $69
  • Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure: $132
  • Art & Flavors of Oaxaca Experience: $143
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour: $60
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $58
  • Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $108
  • Artisanal Mezcal Experience with Guided Tasting: $131

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
  • 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
  • 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $35
  • 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
  • 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
  • 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300
  • ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $103
  • ATV Off Road Adventure at Pacaya Volcano from Antigua: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Antigua Guatemala $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Shots and Party Games: $19
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $19
  • Oaxaca: Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award-Winning Family Distillery: $24
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $55
  • Breakfast in Tlacolula; Ancestral and industrial mezcal distillery: $55
  • Hierve el Agua, Mitla, El Tule Tree, Rugs, Mezcal Distillery Tour: $58
  • Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour: $60
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour: $70
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $144
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village: $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez is in North America and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Antigua Guatemala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antigua Guatemala than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Antigua Guatemala?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Antigua Guatemala, 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.