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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a colorful, cultural, and dynamic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

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.

Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sao Paulo than Oaxaca de Juarez. Sao Paulo is bigger than Oaxaca de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its food and historical sights. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Sao Paulo is well known for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. Also, Sao Paulo is famous for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Sao Paulo different from Oaxaca de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oaxaca de Juarez and Sao Paulo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Sao Paulo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Sao Paulo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around the world. 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.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez both offer plenty of fantastic spots.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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.

Is Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Families?

Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

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 Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Students?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Sao Paulo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a few public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Is Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez are very good when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

In either Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Sao Paulo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Oaxaca de Juarez.

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

People visit Sao Paulo because there is so much to do. 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 shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

People visit Sao Paulo because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Sao Paulo 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Sao Paulo 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez, we can see that Sao Paulo is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Oaxaca de Juarez is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sao Paulo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Oaxaca de Juarez, 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.