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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Durham travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Durham: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Durham. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Durham, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham Better for Families?

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

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.

Durham is a family-friendly place to visit. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city 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 mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Durham. 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 Durham. 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 Durham 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 Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Durham. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse city of Durham. 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.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Durham 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Durham?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Durham, 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.