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 $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $74. 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:

  • Visit Puerto Escondido: Private Transfer from Oaxaca: $588
  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $436
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $408
  • Discover Puerto Escondido One Day Trip Shuttle Coastal Transfer: $142
  • Oaxaca Airport: Private Transfer Service: $130
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $82
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $71
  • Private and safe transfer from the airport to the hotel in Oaxaca: $60
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $59
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Semuc Champey or Coban: $182
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Santa Catarina Palopó: $88
  • Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
  • Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach: $75
  • Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Any Town)OneWay: $74
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel Atitlan: $70
  • Private Transfers in Guatemala: $39
  • Private Transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $32
  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $30
  • Private Transfer From Antigua to Guatemala City / Airport: $30
  • Shared Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel (Atitlan): $30

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:

  • Food Tour at the Mercado de Abastos: $57
  • Oaxaca Hidden Street Food Tour by The Lost Taco: $58
  • Taste Oaxaca Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • Tradicional Oaxacan Dinner on Agronomic Biodiversity_01: $60
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $65
  • Oaxaca Streets Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Authentic Oaxaca Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour: $69
  • Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu &Local Market Tour: $70
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $71
  • Bike Ride and Street Food Tour in Oaxaca: $71
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: Oaxaca de Juárez: $75

Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

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


  • Lunch
    $3.28
  • Lunch
    $7.87

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:

  • Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
  • Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
  • Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Cooking Class With Local Family: $70
  • Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $85
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour: $85
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
  • Make your own Mayan Pepian - Cooking class: $89
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90

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: $120
  • 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca: $109
  • Archaeological sites Tour and Red Pottery in Tlacolula: $170
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour: $59
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $54
  • Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $107
  • Authentic Mezcal Experience Oaxaca Small Group Local Producers: $89
  • Cacao, Chocolate Experience in Oaxaca for Small Groups: $80
  • City Tour - Oaxaca: $80
  • City Tour and Art Walk in Oaxaca: $170
  • City Tour and Museum of Cultures: $47
  • City Tour in Oaxaca History, Culture and Markets: $54

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
  • 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $35
  • 4x4 Acatenango Volcano and Fuego Vistas 2 Day Shared Tour: $260
  • ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $103
  • ATV tour of picturesque villages around Antigua: $60
  • Acatenango Hike: Glamping Experience from Antigua: $230
  • Acatenango Hike: Overnight Group Adventure from Antigua: $225
  • Acatenango Overnight Hike Multiday Tour: $129
  • Acatenango Volcano Experience for 2 Days and 1 Night: $79
  • Acatenango Volcano Overnight Tour: $119

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 Mezcal Shots and Live Music: $18
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $19
  • Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award Winning Family Distillery: $25
  • Check out Hierve el Agua, Mitla, the Tule Tree, Rugs, and a Mezcal Distillery Tour: $49
  • From Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $54
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $55
  • Hierve el Agua and Distillery of Mezcal Tour: $60
  • Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour: $60
  • Distillery Tour and Agave Fields by Mal de Amor Mezcal: $71
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $107
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $125
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $143

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.