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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Dallas travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas: 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
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Dallas attracts visitors for its big city activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

The vibe at night is great in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas.

Many people head to Oaxaca de Juarez for the nightlife scene. 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.

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its old town. However, Dallas does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the most recognized in 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.

Dallas does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Dallas is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Dallas is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas make for a great 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.

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas both offer nice 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.

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Dallas

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Dallas. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Dallas 2-4

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the upscale destination of Dallas. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the upscale city of Dallas. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dallas 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Dallas 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
    Dallas Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Dallas $166

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Dallas is $166. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas

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


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Dallas $28

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Private Airport Transfers in Dallas: $180
  • Dallas Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
  • Dallas Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Dallas Airport (DFW): $163
  • Plano/Allen to Dallas Airport (DFW) - Departure Private Transfer: $157
  • DFW Airport to Downtown Dallas One-Way Private Transfer: $150
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $139
  • Arrival Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas by Luxury SUV: $137
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $135
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $116

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

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $61

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 Dallas

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dallas are as follows:


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Dallas Food Tour with 5 Local Food Tastings in Deep Ellum Area: $100
  • Grapevine Foodie Tour with Food Tours of America: $110
  • 5-course Walking Food Tour in Dallas History + Cocktail opt.: $110
  • International Street Food Tour in North Dallas: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Dallas $13

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

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course and Zip Line Adventure: $50
  • 80-Minute JFK Assassination Walking and Van Tour: $30
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $175
  • Dallas & Fort Worth Combo City Sightseeing Tour Small-Group: $145
  • Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour: $215
  • Dallas Black History Adventour: $99
  • Dallas Black Owned Foodie AdvenTOUR: $149
  • Dallas Historic Walking Tour: $98
  • Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum All Day Ticket: $19
  • Dallas Local Fashion Designers Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $150
  • Dallas Margs, Wine & Foodie Experience: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Dallas $12

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

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

  • Awesome Bar Crawl in Plano: $15
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Dallas: $59


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Dallas, 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.