A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Cancun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Cancun?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Cancun? 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 Cancun?

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.

Cancun

In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.

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 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Oaxaca de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $46, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $147. 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 Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Cancun $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Cancun $194
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Cancun? 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 Cancun


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 Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Cancun $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $90
  • Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez-Arrival Transfer: $37
  • Transfer to Salina Cruz Surf Camps from Huatulco International Airport (HUX): $120
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido - new highway: $299
  • Private and safe transfer from the airport to the hotel in Oaxaca: $50
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $304
  • Oaxaca: Private transfer from Oaxaca airport to hotel: $54
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
  • Oaxaca International Airport - Private Transfer From/ to Oaxaca City: $56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.67
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $14
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $17
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $2.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • Cancun Airport to Tulum Roundtrip Private Transfer: $290
  • Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
  • Transfers in Lincoln Strecth Limousine with Wi Fi on board: $261
  • Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Playa del Carmen: $260
  • Round trip private transfer VAN-Airport-Hotel-Airport-Puerto Morelos: $260
  • Roundtrip Transfer Service to Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres: $248
  • Round trip Private airport transfer to Playa del Carmen Flat Rate per vehicle: $245
  • Full-Day Tour to Xcaret Plus with Transfer from Playa del Carmen and Lunch: $238
  • Holbox Private Transfer from Cancun Hotels or Airport: $229
  • Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $225
  • Private One Way Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun 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 $14
    Cancun $28

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: Night Street Food Tour with Transfers and Tastings: $54
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $72
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $73
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $77
  • Casa Crespo Afternoon Cooking Class with Market Visit: $77
  • AUTHENTIC OAXACA FOOD TOUR, eat like a local.: $89
  • Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma's Recipes: $90
  • Cooking classes from the Isthmus with a Tehuana: $92
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Teotitlan Valle: $96
  • Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class (includes transportation): $96
  • The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class: $116
  • Oaxaca: Traditional Oaxacan Food Cooking Class: $119

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

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

  • Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
  • Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
  • (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
  • (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
  • Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Dinner Show on a Pirate Ship from Cancun with Open Bar: $65
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • Cooking Show & Tequila Tasting: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Cancun $35

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Full Day Waterfall Adventure in Sierra Madre Mountains of Oaxaca: $80
  • Romantic tour in Oaxaca: $158
  • 6-Hour Bike Tour from Oaxaca to the Tule Tree: $80
  • Amazing Monte Alban and City tour Private Tour: $200
  • Amazing experience in the mountain of San Jose del Pacifico: $80
  • Ancestral Carnival Tour 2024: $199
  • Ancestral Mezcal Experience + ceramics + Alebrijes + Market: $199
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour: $61
  • Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $110
  • Cacao day experience from the wood to your cup!: $159
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Xoxocotlan Tour: $177
  • Day of the Dead Experience: Altar of Memories: $138

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.60
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $101

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Speed Boat Tour and Snorkeling in Nichupte Lagoon: $39
  • ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $15
  • Cancun Private Street Art Tour: $65
  • Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $105
  • Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour: $44
  • Holbox Island Magic Tour from Cancun : $144
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $165
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257
  • Reef and Sunken Ship Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $85
  • Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks: $139
  • (4x1) Full day tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Cancun $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $45
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery tour: $50
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $50
  • From Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $54
  • Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery (Small groups): $57
  • Mezcal distillery guided tour: $88
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $147
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village : $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $38
  • Brewery Tour / Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $110


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Cancun, 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.