A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Atlantic City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City? 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a authentic, traditional, and historic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City are both popular with visitors, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Atlantic City is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Oaxaca de Juarez and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Oaxaca de Juarez is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Oaxaca de Juarez that are not to be missed. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Oaxaca de Juarez, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a popular place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around the world. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Atlantic City has a few public transit options. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Atlantic City

Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Atlantic City is a very walkable city. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Atlantic City 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.


  • How many days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Atlantic City 1-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the flashy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the glitzy city of Atlantic City. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Atlantic City $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Atlantic City is $190. 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 Atlantic City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Atlantic City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Atlantic City $146
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City? 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 Atlantic City


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 Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Atlantic City $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • 4 Day Oaxaca Excursion with Transfer included: $300
  • From Oaxaca One way shared transfer to San Jose del Pacifico: $29
  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $465
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $436
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Arrival Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $58
  • Oaxaca Airport: Private Transfer Service: $130
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
  • Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer in Oaxaca Safe and Reliable Service: $53
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlantic City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Atlantic City:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Atlantic City Airport ACY to Atlantic City by limo: $229
  • Private Transfer from Atlantic City to Atlantic City Airport ACY by Limousine: $221
  • Private Transfer from Atlantic City Airport ACY to Atlantic City by car or SUV: $198
  • Private Transfer from Atlantic City to Atlantic City Airport ACY by car or SUV: $190
  • Atlantic City International Airport One Way Transfer: $61
  • Transfer Service to Ocean City Music Festival: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Prices for flights to both Atlantic City 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
    Atlantic City $86

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
  • 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
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Bike Ride and Street Food Tour in Oaxaca: $70
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlantic City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Atlantic City.

  • Bay Hopper - Pizza Cruise: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Atlantic City $44

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Oaxaca Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
  • Oaxaca: Colonial City Bus Tour: $5.81
  • Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús: $8.71
  • Immerse Yourself in Oaxaca: Guided Cultural Walking Tour: $15
  • Oaxaca Walking Tour: $20
  • Oaxaca Walking Tour: $20
  • Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour: $21
  • Tour to Monte Alban, Black Mud, Waist Loom and Alebrijes: $21
  • Oaxaca Walking Tour: $21
  • Monte Alban Half Day Guided Tour: $21
  • First Day in Oaxaca – Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Oaxaca: Oaxaca City Beyond the Surface Walking Tour: $23

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Escape Room Experience in Ocean City: $36
  • 1-Hour Ocean Parasailing Adventure In Ocean City, MD: $95
  • 1-Hour Private Party Assateague Island Pony Cruise in Ocean City: $200
  • 1-Hour Private Party Happy Hour Booze Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $190
  • 1-Hour Sea Rocket Sunset & OC Harbor Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $40
  • 45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD: $40
  • 75 Minute Private Party Back Bay Sunset Cruise in Ocean City, MD: $200
  • Aces to Ashes: Apparitions of Atlantic City Boardwalk Ghost Tour: $26
  • Assateague Horses, Herons and Happy Hour Cruise: $50
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $29
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure Cruise in Atlantic City: $50
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Atlantic City $39

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
  • Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour: $60
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour: $70
  • Distillery Tour and Agave Fields by Mal de Amor Mezcal: $70
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $141

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Spirits Tasting at Little Water Distillery: $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City, we can see that Atlantic City is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Atlantic City?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Atlantic City, 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.