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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston? 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Galveston travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Galveston: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Galveston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Galveston attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Galveston is famous for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. 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 Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

The vibe at night is great in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Galveston.

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.

Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

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

Galveston is a good option for a beach vacation. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

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.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Galveston 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.

Galveston is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Galveston make for a great 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.

Galveston is a very popular place to visit for couples. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Galveston

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Galveston is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston?

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

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Galveston. 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 Galveston?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic town of Galveston. 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 Galveston?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Galveston 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 Galveston?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Galveston 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.


Which place is cheaper, Galveston 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
    Galveston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Galveston $221

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Galveston is $221. 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 Galveston in more detail.



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

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


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 Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Galveston $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Visit Puerto Escondido: Private Transfer from Oaxaca: $588
  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $436
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $408
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel/house .: $89
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $82
  • Private Luxury Transfer from the Oaxaca Airport to your Hotel: $75
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $71
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca : $67
  • Private and safe transfer from the airport to the hotel in Oaxaca: $60
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $60
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Oaxaca Airport: $46

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

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
    Galveston $90

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
    Galveston $15

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Shared Santa Maria Del Tule Bike Tour: $45
  • “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $120
  • 3 Hour Oaxaca Private Tour, 100% customisable - Best Rated : $45
  • 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca: $109
  • 7 Hrs Guided Day of the Dead Crafts & Gastronomy Tour from Oaxaca: $199
  • Agave Adventures Mexico: $94
  • Amazing Hierve el Agua Private Tour: $287
  • Amazing Monte Alban and City tour Private Tour: $200
  • Ancestral Mezcal Experience + ceramics + Alebrijes + Market: $199
  • Ancestral Mezcal Tour Experience A pre Hispanic Heritage: $65
  • Apoala Magic Waterfalls Hike and Swim Adventure: $123
  • Archaeological sites Tour and Red Pottery in Tlacolula : $170

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
  • Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
  • Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
  • Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
  • Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
  • Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
  • Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Galveston $37

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Galveston?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Galveston, 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.