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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee? 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 cultural, authentic, and traditional city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Milwaukee: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Milwaukee. While Milwaukee is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Milwaukee and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Oaxaca de Juarez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its old town. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

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

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.

Milwaukee is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

Oaxaca de Juarez makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options 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.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Oaxaca de Juarez has some 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 generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Milwaukee

Oaxaca de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee?

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 museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee?

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 nightlife and shopping around the welcoming city of Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural 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.

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

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.

Milwaukee 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Milwaukee $214

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Milwaukee is $214. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Milwaukee

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


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 Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Milwaukee $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $82
  • Visit Puerto Escondido: Private Transfer from Oaxaca: $588
  • Transfer Hotel to Oaxaca Airport private service: $26
  • Taxi Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $20
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Oaxaca Airport: $46
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Oaxaca Airport (OAX) : $43
  • Private and safe transfer from the airport to the hotel in Oaxaca: $60
  • Private Transfer to Oaxaca Airport (OAX): $22
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel/house .: $89
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca : $67
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $34
  • Private Luxury Transfer from the Oaxaca Airport to your Hotel: $75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

Also for Milwaukee, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $80
  • Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kenosha Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Milwaukee Food Tour with 5 Local Favorites Tastings & Secret Dish: $99
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Local Food Tour of 5 Delicacies & a Secret Dish: $104
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Milwaukee $26

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 Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Bus Tour in Milwaukee City: $40
  • Christmas Past, Present and Future Light Tour in Milwaukee: $50
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour : $68
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Kenosha Metal Detecting Tour to Simmons Island Beach: $40
  • Milwaukee Cheese Curd Kayak Tour: $175
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Milwaukee Marvels: A 2-Hour Private Tour: $1,126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Milwaukee $33

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 Milwaukee

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

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $109


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Milwaukee, 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.