A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Saint Augustine for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Augustine: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

Both Saint Augustine and Oaxaca de Juarez have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Saint Augustine is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Saint Augustine is popular for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Saint Augustine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Oaxaca de Juarez that are not to be missed. 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 Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Oaxaca de Juarez know how to have a good time. 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 Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

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

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Augustine.

With a famous historical old-town, Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to see. 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.

The rich history of Saint Augustine can be explored in its historical center. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for shopping. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Augustine make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options 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 Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Augustine

Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Augustine are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Augustine or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Saint Augustine.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Oaxaca de Juarez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Augustine, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Saint Augustine 3-4

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

The traditional destination of Oaxaca de Juarez offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Saint Augustine?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the notable city of Saint Augustine. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Augustine is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Saint Augustine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine is $159. 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 Saint Augustine in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine? 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 Saint Augustine


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 Saint Augustine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Saint Augustine $39

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 Saint Augustine?

Prices for flights to both Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Cooking Class/Dinner W/ Celebrity French Chef OR Private Chef Ser: $105
  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Saint Augustine $18

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 Saint Augustine

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

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1 Hour Historical Tour of Saint Augustine, Florida | Free Parking: $28
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Saint Augustine $25

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 Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • St. Augustine Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • St. Augustine's Booze & Boos Haunted Pub Crawl: $42
  • Wine Tasting Cruise in St. Augustine : $49
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Augustine?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Augustine, 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.