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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee? 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.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Tallahassee: 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
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Tallahassee. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Tallahassee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Tallahassee 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Oaxaca de Juarez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

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

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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for couples. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Tallahassee

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Tallahassee 1-2

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Tallahassee. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the lively city of Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tallahassee 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee is $156. 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 Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Tallahassee

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


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 Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Tallahassee $33

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

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

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Tallahassee $12

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 Tallahassee

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

  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Tallahassee $53

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


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Tallahassee?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Tallahassee, 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.