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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Oaxaca de Juarez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Oaxaca de Juarez, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

The vibe at night is superb in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Houston.

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.

Houston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston Better for Music?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Houston 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.

Houston is a very family-friendly destination. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Houston 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 Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known 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 mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Houston

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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.


A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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 Houston?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston 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
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Houston is $287. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Houston

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


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Houston $72

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 Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $246
  • Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port : $222
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $156
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH by Sedan: $119
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108

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

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $60

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $75
  • Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
  • Houston Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Tradition & Fusion: $85
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $93
  • French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Houston $14

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 Houston

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

  • Best of Houston and Galveston Tour 7 Hours Small Group: $120
  • H- Town 3rd Ward Tour with 15ft Party Truck : $46
  • Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transport: $95
  • 1 Hour Private Christmas Lights Tour in Houston : $39
  • 2 Hour December Holiday Lights Tour: $65
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 75 Min Best of Houston tour Small-Group : $36
  • All day Galveston Tour From Houston with Tall Ship Elissa & Dolphin Watch: $235
  • All-Inclusive Hip-Hop Brunch Party Bike Tour: $65
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $35
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Houston $13

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 Houston

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

  • Houston Hustle Bar Crawl: $15
  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Houston, 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.