Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
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 G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
Mexico PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOaxaca de Juarez $54Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOaxaca de Juarez $19Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOaxaca de Juarez $38Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil? 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.
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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Oaxaca de Juarez $12Guayaquil $15
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
- Transfer Oaxaca Centro Boerve del Agua: $30
- Shared Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $7.92
- Secure Private Transfer : Downtown Oaxaca Airport (OAX): $21
- Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $50
- Private Transfer from your Hotel in Oaxaca to the Oaxaca Airport: $14
- Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $70
- Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport to Hotel or Airbnb 24/7: $79
- Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $28
- Private Airport Transfer in Oaxaca Safe and Reliable Service: $53
- Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $251
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $228
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil city hotels: $228
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $228
- Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport: $48
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $43
- Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Guayaquil - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 dayOaxaca de Juarez $24Guayaquil $50
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
- 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
- Taste Oaxaca Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $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
- Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
- Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
- Bike Ride and Street Food Tour in Oaxaca: $70
- Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
- Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
- Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Oaxaca de Juarez $12Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.
- “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $128
- 8-Hour Monte Albán Tour from Oaxaca: $51
- Among Flowers and Candles: A Tour of Oaxaca's Cemeteries: $86
- An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $82
- Ancestral Mezcal Tour Experience-A pre Hispanic Heritage: $68
- Archaeological sites Tour and Red Pottery in Tlacolula: $170
- Art & Flavors of Oaxaca Experience: $141
- Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $58
- Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $106
- Authentic Mezcal Experience Oaxaca Small Group Local Producers: $97
- Bike Adventure to the World's Widest Tree: $25
- Bike Adventure to the World's Widest Tree – Fun Guided Ride: $26
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip: $280
- Choco-Culture City Tour & Cacao Museum: $110
- Churute Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour Guayaquil: $245
- Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience: $144
- Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
- Excursion Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $175
- From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $189
- Full Day Churute Howler Monkeys and Chocolate Tour: $276
- Full Day Dolphins Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour from Guayaquil: $231
- Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
- Full Day Tour Mangroves Dolphins and Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $225
- Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOaxaca de Juarez $14Guayaquil $17
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
- 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: $70
- Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
- Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $141
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting and 3-Course Pairing Menu in Guayaquil.: $86
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting: $428
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez is in North America and Guayaquil is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Guayaquil, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.