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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis? 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Memphis: 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Both Memphis and Oaxaca de Juarez have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Memphis is more popular for its music and big city activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Memphis and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

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

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.

Memphis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis Better for Music?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

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

Memphis is known as a music capital around the world. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around 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.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

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

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.

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for couples. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Memphis is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Memphis 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 Memphis. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Memphis

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis?

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis?

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 live music and food around the laid-back destination of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

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 food and museums around the creative city of Memphis. 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 Memphis?

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.

Memphis 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 Memphis?

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.

Memphis 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Memphis 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 Memphis is $167. 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 Memphis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Memphis $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Memphis $168
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Memphis

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


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 Memphis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Memphis $59

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: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $344
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido - new highway: $270
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez-RoundTrip Transfer: $74
  • Round private transfer Airport to hotel in Oaxaca: $59
  • Oaxaca International Airport - Private Transfer From/ to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Oaxaca: Private transfer from Oaxaca airport to hotel: $52
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez-Arrival Transfer: $37
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Memphis

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

  • Guided Tour with Riverboat Cruise & Hotel Transfers: $339
  • Memphis Airport MEM to Hot Springs Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $285
  • Memphis Airport (MEM) to Memphis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
  • Private Departure Transfer to Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Memphis Airport MEM: $72
  • Memphis Airport Transfers: $60

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

Prices for flights to both Memphis 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
    Memphis $43

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

Typical Food Prices in Memphis

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Memphis:


  • Baskin Robins (for 2)
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Memphis

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

  • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Memphis $45

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 Memphis

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Memphis.

  • 2.5 Hours Essence of Memphis African American History Tour: $72
  • Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Memphis: $44
  • Beale Street & Sun Studio: Private Half-Day Walking Tour: $160
  • Beale Street Experience Audio App Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Beale Street Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Best of Memphis Walking Tour: $149
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Party Experience - Public: $35
  • Downtown Memphis : Ultimate Private Party Experience: $430
  • Elvis Presley's Childhood Home Sightseeing Daytrip from Memphis: $111
  • Elvis Unleashed: Private Elvis Walking Tour: $150
  • From Tupelo Elvis Presley's Upbringing Tour: $102
  • Guided Memphis City Tour with Riverboat Cruise along Mississippi River: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Memphis $26

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 Memphis

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

  • Drinking Spirits with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $27
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis: $27
  • Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69
  • Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $69


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Memphis, 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.