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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope 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 Hope is known for its hiking. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Hope and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Oaxaca de Juarez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Oaxaca de Juarez has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Hope does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around 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.

Hope does not have a historic old town.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope Better for Hiking?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Hope is great for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Hope 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.

Hope is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

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 Hope Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope 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.

Hope is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Hope is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope is not known 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 limited or non-existant in Hope. There is no public transit in town.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Hope

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its walkability. However, Hope is not known 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.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the small destination of Hope. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the small town of Hope. If you have a weekend, this 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. 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 Hope?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hope 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 Hope?

The traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hope 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 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope 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
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope

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


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 Hope Hotel Prices.

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

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 Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope 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
    Hope $38

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
    Hope -

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 Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Hope $10

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 comparing the travel costs between Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope, we can see that Oaxaca de Juarez is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Hope Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Hope?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Hope, 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.