A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Roswell, New Mexico for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico? 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.

Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell, New Mexico is a quirky, mysterious, and infamous town. Other reasons to visit include food and museums. See Roswell, New Mexico travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Roswell, New Mexico: 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
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Roswell, New Mexico are popular destinations, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Roswell, New Mexico and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for being the site of an alleged UFO crash.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Roswell, New Mexico?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico. Most people stop in town specifically for the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It has a lot of information on the 1947 Roswell Crash and other supposed UFO incidents. Other museums in town include the Roswell UFO Spacewalk, the Roswell Museum, and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Roswell, New Mexico is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Roswell, New Mexico area. It's a good place to grab lunch as there are many casual restaurants that serve everything from burgers to tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Roswell, New Mexico. There's no real nightlife scene and many visitors stop over in route somewhere else.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its old town. However, Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a world-famous historical 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.

Roswell, New Mexico does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good options 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.

Roswell, New Mexico has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the typical suburban chains where you can pick up essentials or food while you're in town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico.

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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy a mystery will appreciate a visit to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. There's also the Spring River Park and Zoo which has native animals and a carousel.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's a bit outside the box as far as destinations go, so couples who enjoy the weird and quirky will enjoy a stop here.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people pass through in route to other destinations, and backpackers are no different.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Roswell, New Mexico is lacking in good 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 Roswell, New Mexico. There are buses, but it's easier to have your own car.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Roswell, New Mexico

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Roswell, New Mexico 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.

Roswell, New Mexico is a somewhat walkable city. The historic district is compact and walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Roswell, New Mexico or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico.

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the mysterious destination of Roswell, New Mexico. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people visit Oaxaca de Juarez for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and museums around the infamous town of Roswell, New Mexico. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most.

Roswell, New Mexico 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 Roswell, New Mexico?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

Roswell, New Mexico 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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Roswell, New Mexico 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
    Roswell, New Mexico Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Roswell, New Mexico $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Roswell, New Mexico is $148. 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 Roswell, New Mexico in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Roswell, New Mexico $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Roswell, New Mexico $92
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Roswell, New Mexico

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico? 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 Roswell, New Mexico


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 Roswell, New Mexico Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Roswell, New Mexico $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

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

Prices for flights to both Roswell, New Mexico 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
    Roswell, New Mexico $76

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
    Roswell, New Mexico $33

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Roswell, New Mexico $9.29

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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Roswell, New Mexico?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Roswell, New Mexico. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Roswell, New Mexico, 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.