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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

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

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

Pensacola

Pensacola is a fun-filled, active, and entertaining beach town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Pensacola travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Pensacola: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Pensacola. 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, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Pensacola attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Oaxaca de Juarez and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Pensacola?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town 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.

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola Better for Resorts?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Pensacola is great for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Pensacola is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola Better for Beaches?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Pensacola is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Pensacola. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

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

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola Better for Hiking?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Pensacola has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will 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 Pensacola Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

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

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Pensacola

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable city. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.


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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

Both Oaxaca de Juarez and Pensacola have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Oaxaca de Juarez. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pensacola.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Pensacola. 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Pensacola 3-7

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

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 fun-filled destination of Pensacola. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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 fun-filled beach town of Pensacola. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic 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.

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

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.

Pensacola is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Pensacola 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
    Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Pensacola $234

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Pensacola is $234. 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 Pensacola in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Pensacola $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Pensacola $230
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Pensacola

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


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 Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Pensacola $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

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

  • Taxi Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $20
  • Private Transfer to Oaxaca Airport (OAX): $22
  • Transfer Hotel to Oaxaca Airport private service: $26
  • Oaxaca city: Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $27
  • From Oaxaca One way shared transfer to San Jose del Pacifico: $29
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Airport(OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $34
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Oaxaca Airport (OAX) : $43
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Oaxaca Airport: $46
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

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

Prices for flights to both Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84

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

Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

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

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Pensacola $13

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Pensacola $44

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 Pensacola

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

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Pensacola?

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