A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor? 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 historic, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor 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, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Oaxaca de Juarez is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Oaxaca de Juarez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

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

Bar Harbor is a good option for a beach vacation. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a popular place for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor make for a excellent place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a few public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Bar Harbor

Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor are excellent 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.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable city. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Bar Harbor 2-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Bar Harbor?

Oaxaca de Juarez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Bar Harbor?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Bar Harbor $243

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor? 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 Bar Harbor


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 Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Bar Harbor $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Shared Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $7.99
  • Shared transfer from Oaxaca Airport to your hotel: $9.08
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel in Oaxaca to the Oaxaca Airport: $14
  • Secure Private Transfer : Downtown Oaxaca Airport (OAX): $21
  • Transfer Private Hotel to Oaxaca Airport: $21
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $28
  • Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29
  • From Oaxaca One way shared transfer to San Jose del Pacifico: $29
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Arrival Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
  • Airport transfers Oaxaca and private services: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $98

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
  • Private Oaxaca Street Food Tour - Best Rated: $35
  • 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
  • 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: $71

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Bar Harbor $39

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: $4.50
  • Oaxaca: Colonial City Bus Tour: $5.81
  • Oaxaca City Tour: History, Markets, and Local Flavors: $7.77
  • Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús: $8.71
  • Immerse Yourself in Oaxaca: Guided Cultural Walking Tour: $15
  • Free Tour Oaxaca Essential : History and Tips of a Local Guide: $18
  • Oaxaca Walking Tour: $20
  • Oaxaca Walking Tour: $20
  • Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour: $21
  • First Day in Oaxaca – Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Oaxaca: Oaxaca City Beyond the Surface Walking Tour: $23
  • Monte Alban Half Day Guided Tour: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33
  • Acadia Fat Tire Ebike Tours: $190
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Ranger-led Bicycle Tour: $75
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Ebike Tour: $129
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Aqua Safari Kayak tour departing Southwest Harbor: $191
  • Bar Harbor Food Walking Tour With Lobster Roll: $119
  • Bar Harbor Premium Tour with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia Park: $134
  • Bar Harbor Self Guided Audio Walking Tour America’s Summer Empire: $9.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Bar Harbor $30

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
  • Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award Winning Family Distillery: $42
  • 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: $72
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $108


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Bar Harbor?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Bar Harbor, 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.