Which place is cheaper, Oaxaca de Juarez or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Oaxaca de Juarez can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
Officially known as Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca is the capital and largest city in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It's a beautiful colonial city in the foothills of the Sierra Madre. The city has beautiful architecture and a variety of festivals as well as a tree lined square called El Zocalo. Oaxaca's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and it is a wonderful place to see Mexican art and handicrafts. There are many artists and artisans in Oaxaca and the contemporary art scene is on the rise. The artists combine the area's rich indigenous culture and tradition with a modern twist. While you're in the area you should definitely make a point of experiencing the area's wonderful museums, interesting architecture, charming hotels and unique twist on Mexican cuisine.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $121, while the average daily cost in Oaxaca de Juarez is $46. 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 Tulum and Oaxaca de Juarez in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Oaxaca de Juarez? 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.
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Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Oaxaca de Juarez and Tulum 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
For Oaxaca de Juarez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Oaxaca de Juarez, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive?.
Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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.