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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a relaxing, bustling, and fun-filled coastal city. Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Virginia Beach: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Virginia Beach. While Virginia Beach is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Virginia Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Virginia Beach is famous for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Virginia Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historical sights. However, Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. 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.

Virginia Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination 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.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

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 Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for Resorts?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

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

Virginia Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its old town. However, Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its 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.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach More Beautiful?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Virginia Beach is a gorgeous place to visit. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach is a very family-friendly destination. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

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 Virginia Beach Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

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.

Virginia Beach is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach 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 limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Virginia Beach

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

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

Should I spend more time in Virginia Beach or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Both Oaxaca de Juarez and Virginia Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than in Oaxaca de Juarez. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 5-7 days is enough time in Virginia Beach.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Virginia Beach 5-7

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Virginia 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 Virginia Beach?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife around the fun-filled coastal city of Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Virginia Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Virginia Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Virginia Beach 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
    Virginia Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $52
    Virginia Beach $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $52, while the average daily cost in Virginia Beach is $148. 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 Virginia Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Virginia Beach $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Virginia Beach $142
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Virginia Beach

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach? 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 Virginia Beach


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 Virginia Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Virginia Beach $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: $465
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $436
  • Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport Arrivals and Departures: $139
  • Discover Puerto Escondido One Day Trip Shuttle Coastal Transfer: $132
  • Transfer to Salina Cruz Surf Camps from Huatulco International Airport (HUX): $120
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport to Hotel or Airbnb 24/7: $75
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $67
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $57
  • Private Luxury Transfer from the Oaxaca Airport to your Hotel: $56
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to the hotel.: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Virginia Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Virginia Beach:


  • Beach Parking
    $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Prices for flights to both Virginia Beach 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 $23
    Virginia Beach $52

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:

  • Taste Tequila and Mezcal and enjoy a Traditional Dinner: $17
  • Oaxaca: Walking Traditional Food Tour with Ancestral Drinks: $26
  • Night Walk of Urban Legends ghosts and Dinner in Oaxaca: $42
  • 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
  • FOOD TOUR IN THE ABASTOS MARKET: $61
  • Oaxaca Hidden Street Food Tour Led by Local food experts: $64
  • Oaxaca: Evening Street Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $66
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $66
  • Oaxaca Streets Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Virginia Beach $21

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
  • 2 Days Sierra Norte Cloud Forest Adventure: $231
  • 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca: $109
  • 8-Hour Monte Albán Tour from Oaxaca: $51
  • ATV/Quad Adventure on the Mountain + Prehistoric Caves: $147
  • Adventure in the Sierra Norte: El Tule, Teotitlan and Benito Juárez: $67
  • Amazing Waterfall Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains: $80
  • Amazing experience in the mountain of San Jose del Pacifico: $200
  • Among Flowers and Candles: A Tour of Oaxaca's Cemeteries: $86
  • An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $78
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour: $56
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $58

Tours and Activities in Virginia Beach

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

  • Broad Bay Island SUP Adventure in Virginia Beach: $35
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $24
  • Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours: $26
  • Candle Making Experience at Sugared Mango: $55
  • Dolphin Kayak Tour in Virginia Beach Must know how to swim: $95
  • Owl Creek Landing Forest Adventure Experience Ticket: $23
  • Podcast Tour From Shipwrecks To Sandcastles: $6.84
  • Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco-Tour: $68
  • Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours: $68
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Virginia Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk Historian-Guided Tour: $19
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk History Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Virginia Beach $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $18
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Shots and Party Games: $19
  • Puerto Escondido Pub Crawl: $20
  • Oaxaca: Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award-Winning Family Distillery: $24
  • Breakfast in Tlacolula; Ancestral and industrial mezcal distillery: $55
  • Hierve el Agua, Mitla, El Tule Tree, Rugs, Mezcal Distillery Tour: $58
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $60
  • Hierve el Agua and Distillery of Mezcal Tour: $65
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour: $70
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $100
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $134


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Virginia Beach, 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.