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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Colorado Springs: 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
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Pikes Peak
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Colorado Springs. While Colorado Springs is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Colorado Springs is known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Oaxaca de Juarez know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

People visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs 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.

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly destination. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for romance. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Colorado Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Oaxaca de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Colorado Springs

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Colorado Springs 2-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. If you have a weekend, this city 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the healthy mountain town of Colorado Springs. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Colorado Springs?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Colorado Springs?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Colorado Springs 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
    Colorado Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Colorado Springs $205

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Colorado Springs is $205. 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 Colorado Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Colorado Springs $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Colorado Springs $162
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Colorado Springs

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs? 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 Colorado Springs


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 Colorado Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Colorado Springs $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • From Oaxaca One way shared transfer to San Jose del Pacifico: $29
  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $436
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $408
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $60
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $27
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Airport(OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $71
  • Private Luxury Transfer from the Oaxaca Airport to your Hotel: $75
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colorado Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Colorado Springs:

  • Winter Park Ski Resort to Denver Airport BJC Departure Transfer: $274
  • Eagle Airport (EGE) to Glenwood Springs -Arrival Private Transfer: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

Prices for flights to both Colorado Springs 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
    Colorado Springs $95

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

Typical Food Prices in Colorado Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Colorado Springs:


  • Cold Stone Ice Cream (family of 4)
    $22
  • Snacks at the Zoo (family of 4)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colorado Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Colorado Springs.

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery - Colorado Springs, CO: $89
  • Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Colorado Springs $40

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 Colorado Springs

Here are a few actual costs in Colorado Springs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Pikes Peak E-Golf Cart Historic Tour of Manitou Springs: $64
  • 1-Hour Segway Tour of Cheyenne Cañon Art, History and Nature: $89
  • 2-Hour Segway Tour in Cheyenne Cañon and Broadmoor Area: $129
  • Bike Tour in the Garden of The Gods: $244
  • Cheyenne Cañon Art and Nature Segway Tour: $89
  • Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs: $94
  • Colorado Red Rocks Amphitheatre Walking Tour: $39
  • Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour: $28
  • Colorado Springs Pikes Peak Luxury Jeep Tours: $149
  • Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour: $54
  • Cripple Creek Backcountry Jeep Tour: $110
  • Garden of The Gods Classic Hiking Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Colorado Springs $24

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 Colorado Springs, we can see that Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Colorado Springs, 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.