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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh? 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. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Pittsburgh: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • 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 Pittsburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Pittsburgh is more popular for its big city activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

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

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.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

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

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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez and Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pittsburgh

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.


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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh?

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the under-rated city of Pittsburgh. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Pittsburgh?

Oaxaca de Juarez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh is a great place to explore. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh 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.

  • Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Pittsburgh Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Pittsburgh $220

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $220. 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 Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Pittsburgh

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


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 Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Pittsburgh $22

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: $465
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $436
  • 4 Day Oaxaca Excursion with Transfer included: $300
  • Oaxaca Airport: Private Transfer Service: $130
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport to Hotel or Airbnb 24/7: $79
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $70
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $58
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer in Oaxaca Safe and Reliable Service: $53
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $50
  • Transfer Oaxaca Centro Boerve del Agua: $30

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

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh 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 $24
    Pittsburgh $94

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Handmade Sushi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Pittsburgh: $75
  • Downtown Pittsburgh Hidden Gems Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Pittsburgh $38

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $59
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Black & Gold Pittsburgh History Tour for Sports Fans: $33
  • Curated Outdoor Dining Experience in Pittsburgh: $163
  • Echoes from the Iron Forge: Pittsburgh Phantoms Ghost Tour: $26
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $55
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $50
  • Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh Admission Ticket: $29
  • Pittsburgh Historic Strip District Libation Tour: $60
  • Pittsburgh Puzzling Adventure Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Pittsburgh $33

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 Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour: $99
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Pittsburgh, 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.