A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Charlottesville for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville? 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a southern, proud, and traditional university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Charlottesville are popular destinations, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Charlottesville attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Charlottesville is famous for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Oaxaca de Juarez has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its old town. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town charm.

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.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

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

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is great for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Oaxaca de Juarez does not offer Christmas activities.

Charlottesville is a very popular destination during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Oaxaca de Juarez does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Families?

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

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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

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.

Charlottesville is a good city for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

The cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this university 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 Charlottesville?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Charlottesville 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Charlottesville?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Charlottesville, 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.