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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville? 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a fun, vibrant, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Jacksonville than Oaxaca de Juarez. Jacksonville is bigger than Oaxaca de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Jacksonville is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Jacksonville.

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.

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville Better for Families?

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

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.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and Jacksonville both offer notable 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.

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this traditional city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Jacksonville?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the lively city of Jacksonville. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Jacksonville?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this traditional destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Jacksonville?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Jacksonville, 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.