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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill? 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 authentic, traditional, and historic city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Chapel Hill travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Oaxaca de Juarez on the map. 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.

Many visitors head to Chapel Hill specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Oaxaca de Juarez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Chapel Hill.

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.

Chapel Hill has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a world-famous historical 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.

Chapel Hill does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

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

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.

Chapel Hill is a family-friendly place to visit. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular city to visit 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.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and Chapel Hill both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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.

Chapel Hill has a few public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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 food and shopping around the collegiate destination of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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 shopping and museums around the collegiate town of Chapel Hill. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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.

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

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.

Chapel Hill 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Chapel Hill?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Chapel Hill, 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.