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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Petersburg are about the same size, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint Petersburg is known for its resorts and beaches. Oaxaca de Juarez is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Oaxaca de Juarez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Saint Petersburg has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Petersburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Petersburg make for a great 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 Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination for its high level of 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 Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Saint Petersburg. 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 Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the underrated destination of Saint Petersburg. 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 coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxed coastal city of Saint Petersburg. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. 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 Saint Petersburg?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Saint Petersburg 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 head to the area for the beaches. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Petersburg?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Petersburg, 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.