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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine? 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Portland, Maine. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Oaxaca de Juarez on the map. 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Oaxaca de Juarez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a popular place for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine.

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.

Portland, Maine is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular city to visit 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.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine 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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

The historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. 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 coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the seaside coastal town of Portland, Maine. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Portland, Maine?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Portland, Maine?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Portland, Maine, 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.