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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff? 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 authentic, traditional, and historic city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picturesque, active, and adventurous city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Flagstaff: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Flagstaff. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Flagstaff, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flagstaff is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Flagstaff is well known for its nearby craters and volcanic caves as well as its location along the historic Route 66.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Flagstaff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Oaxaca de Juarez on the map. 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.

Flagstaff is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Lowell Observatory is a highlight for many visitors, especially those who are fascinated by space. There's also the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Pioneer Museum, and Fort Tuthill Military History Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Flagstaff. The food scene is diverse and growing. There's a focus on local recipes and ingredients. You'll also find many casual and family-friendly restaurants. American cuisine is common, but you'll also find burritos, Indian curries, and frittatas.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Flagstaff has a few options to choose from. You'll find a range of bars and cocktail lounges around town that come to life in the evening hours.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Oaxaca de Juarez can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Flagstaff does not have a historic old town.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff Better for Hiking?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Flagstaff is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

People visit Flagstaff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Nearby you'll find world class hikes through surreal landscapes and diverse environments. The area is filled with desert landscapes and varied rock formations that are best explored on foot. Trails range in length and skill level, but whatever your ability, the hiking in the area is among the best.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Flagstaff. Located along historic Route 66, you'll find many shops that capture the city's history, particularly in the Southside Historic District. The town also has farmer's markets as well as shopping centers and large malls.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Flagstaff 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.

Flagstaff is a very family-friendly destination. The city is filled with outdoor activities for kids like ropes courses and adventure parks. Kids will also enjoy climbing around the Lava River Cave, visiting Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, or hiking through the many diverse landscapes in the area. There are also museums that educate visitors on the city's history as well as Lowell Observatory, which will intrigue all the space enthusiasts among us.

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 Flagstaff Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for couples. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Flagstaff is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and outdoor adventure sports make this city a good destination for couples who enjoy active living. There are many parks that you can visit as well as hiking trails and unique natural settings.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular city to visit 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.

Flagstaff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are campgrounds nearby as well as tons of nature parks and countless hiking trails in the area.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Flagstaff is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Oaxaca de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Flagstaff. The Mountain Line offers eight routes through town.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Flagstaff

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Flagstaff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Flagstaff is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and walkable, but you'll really want to have a car to explore the nearby hiking trails and natural areas.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff.

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Flagstaff. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the active city of Flagstaff. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Flagstaff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Flagstaff is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Flagstaff?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Flagstaff is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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, Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Flagstaff $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Flagstaff $172
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Flagstaff

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


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 Flagstaff Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $408
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $402
  • Oaxaca Hotels to Oaxaca Airport OAX Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Oaxaca International Airport - Private Transfer From/ to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Oaxaca: Private transfer from Oaxaca airport to hotel: $52
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $344
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido - new highway: $270
  • Round private transfer Airport to hotel in Oaxaca: $59
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Transfer Airport Hotel n Oaxaca: $16

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

Prices for flights to both Flagstaff 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
    Flagstaff $55

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Flagstaff $28

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • MTB Bike Tour to the Tule Tree (Through the country-side): $6.00
  • Oaxaca Art Walk Tour: $15
  • Guided Tour to know the trades of Oaxaca: $18
  • Bicycle Tour through Oaxaca learning about its Urban Art and History: $19
  • Oaxaca: Oaxaca City Beyond the Surface Walking Tour: $23
  • Private Mexican Engraving Workshop Experience: $24
  • Monte Alban Walking Tour: $29
  • Half day tour Monte Alban: $32
  • Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour: $32
  • Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour: $33
  • Tour Monte Albán: $33
  • Oaxaca: Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour: $34

Tours and Activities in Flagstaff

Here are a few actual costs in Flagstaff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours Private E-Bike Tours In Northern Arizona: $75
  • All-day Grand Canyon • Indian Ruins • Volcano • Christian Tour: $199
  • Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $299
  • Antelope Slot Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff: $285
  • Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $245
  • Comprehensive Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff w/Lunch: $208
  • Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour: $28
  • Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course-Adult Course: $65
  • Flagstaff Ghosts Tour By Us Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Flagstaff Segway Tour: $129
  • Flagstaff, AZ: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Flagstaff $29

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Flagstaff

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Flagstaff:

  • Spirits With The Spirits, Haunted Pub Crawl Of Downtown Flagstaff: $50
  • Haunted Pub Crawl with Guide: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Flagstaff?

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