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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit? 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 cultural, authentic, and traditional city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Detroit: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Detroit than Oaxaca de Juarez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Detroit is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

The vibe at night is very good in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Detroit.

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.

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit Better for Music?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Detroit is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Detroit is known as a music capital around the world. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Detroit does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to see. 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.

Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

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

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.

Detroit is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Oaxaca de Juarez makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Oaxaca de Juarez has some 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 generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Detroit

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Detroit. 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 Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Detroit 1-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the hardworking destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer.

You'll find shopping and museums around the under-rated city of Detroit. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 Detroit?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Detroit is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the live music. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Detroit

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


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 Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Detroit $37

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: $88
  • Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez-RoundTrip Transfer: $74
  • Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez-Arrival Transfer: $37
  • Transfer Private Vehicle from Huatulco City - Huatulco Airport (HUX): $27
  • Transfer Airport Hotel n Oaxaca: $16
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Round private transfer Airport to hotel in Oaxaca: $59
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido - new highway: $270
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $344
  • Oaxaca: Private transfer from Oaxaca airport to hotel: $52
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

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

  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61

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

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

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:

  • Food tour in Mercado de Abastos (Vegetarian an Vegan Friendly): $33
  • Oaxaca: Night Street Food Tour with Transfers and Tastings: $52
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $71
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $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
  • Nixtamal Cooking Class & Tour To The San Agustin Center of Arts: $99
  • Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class (includes transportation): $100
  • Oaxaca: Day of the Dead Evening Walking Tour with Dinner: $108
  • The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class: $114

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

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

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Detroit $21

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
  • Amazing Monte Alban and City tour Private Tour: $200
  • Amazing experience in the mountain of San Jose del Pacifico: $80
  • Ancestral Carnival Tour 2025: $199
  • Ancestral Mezcal Experience + ceramics + Alebrijes + Market: $199
  • Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $108
  • Bicycle Tour through Oaxaca learning about its Urban Art and History: $19
  • Cacao, Chocolate Experience in Oaxaca for Small Groups: $69
  • Celebrating Day of the Dead in Xoxocotlan Tour: $177
  • Crafts & Cuisine All Included Guided Day Tour from Oaxaca: $165
  • Electric Bike Gastronomy Tour in Oaxaca: $60

Tours and Activities in Detroit

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

  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • Architectural Beauty and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $115
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Segway Tour Strait to the Point: $99
  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Admission Ticket: $26
  • Motor City Ghosts Tour: $33
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Detroit $20

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: $52
  • Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery (Small groups): $66
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village : $150


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Detroit, 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.