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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort? 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 historic, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a southern, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches. See Beaufort travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort are both popular with visitors, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Beaufort is known for its beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Beaufort is popular for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Beaufort has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

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

Beaufort is a good option for a beach vacation. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its old town.

The old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the most recognized in 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.

Beaufort is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for shopping. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaufort. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort More Beautiful?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

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

Beaufort is a gorgeous place to visit. There are many beautiful spots to take in nature or watch the sunset.

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


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort make for a very good 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.

Beaufort is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Beaufort is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't any real places for backpackers to stay in the area.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Beaufort

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

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

Beaufort is a very walkable city. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than in Beaufort. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Beaufort. 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 Beaufort. 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 Beaufort 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 Beaufort? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Beaufort 1-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Beaufort is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Beaufort is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Beaufort?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Beaufort 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.


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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaufort 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
    Beaufort Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Beaufort $154

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Beaufort is $154. 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 Beaufort in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Beaufort $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Beaufort $200
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort

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


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 Beaufort Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Beaufort -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Taxi Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $20
  • Private Transfer to Oaxaca Airport (OAX): $22
  • Transfer Hotel to Oaxaca Airport private service: $26
  • Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $27
  • From Oaxaca One way shared transfer to San Jose del Pacifico: $29
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Airport(OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $34
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Oaxaca Airport (OAX) : $43
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Oaxaca Airport: $46
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $60

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

Prices for flights to both Beaufort 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 $22
    Beaufort $54

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:

  • Private Oaxaca Street Food Tour - Best Rated : $35
  • Central Oaxaca Food Tour: $55
  • Food Tour at the Mercado de Abastos: $57
  • Tradicional Oaxacan Dinner on Agronomic Biodiversity_01: $60
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $65
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $66
  • Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu &Local Market Tour: $70
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: Oaxaca de Juárez: $75
  • Oaxaca Central de Abastos Market Food Tour : $78
  • Oaxaca: 10 Mexican Salsas Cooking Class with Taco Tasting: $80
  • 10 Mexican salsas, enjoy cooking and tasting them in Oaxaca: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Beaufort -

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • Oaxaca Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $5.13
  • Oaxaca: Colonial City Bus Tour: $5.45
  • Walking Tour Oaxaca: $5.59
  • Oaxaca: Legends Tour Mezcalbús: $6.53
  • Oaxaca: Monte Alban, Cuilapam, and Artisan Villages Tour: $20
  • Oaxaca: Guided Bike Tour to the Largest Tree in the World: $20
  • Oaxaca: Oaxaca City Beyond the Surface Walking Tour: $22
  • Half Day Teotitlan Del Valle Village Shared Tour : $25
  • Monte Albán Morning Half-Day Tour –Small Group, Transport & Guide: $27
  • Oaxaca : City Tour: $27
  • Oaxaca: The Art of Death walking tour: $27
  • Montealban Tour: $28

Tours and Activities in Beaufort

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Beaufort are as follows:

  • Beaufort Tipsy Tour: $59
  • Gullah Heritage Tour: $52
  • Historic City Tour by Bus: $37
  • Local History and Film Sites Tour by golf cart: $38
  • Pat Conroy's Beaufort Tour by Golf Cart: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Beaufort -

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $17
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Mezcal Shots and Live Music: $18
  • Check out Hierve el Agua, Mitla, the Tule Tree, Rugs, and a Mezcal Distillery Tour: $49
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $50
  • From Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $54
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery tour: $55
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $55
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $101
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $125
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $134
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village : $150
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua, Mezcal Distillery, and Lunch Tour: $272


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Beaufort?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Beaufort, 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.