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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Saint Louis. While Saint Louis is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis.

Travelers visit Oaxaca de Juarez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Saint Louis are among the most recognizable in the world. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Saint Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly destination. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Saint Louis is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Saint Louis

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.


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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Louis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than in Saint Louis. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the under rated city of Saint Louis. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Saint Louis $224

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Saint Louis is $224. 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 Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis? 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 Saint Louis


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 Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Saint Louis $26

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 Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $125
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $93

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 Saint Louis

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

  • Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show - St. Louis, MO: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Saint Louis $46

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 Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

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

  • "StL's Best Sights and Bites" - Your Private Tour in St. Louis : $165
  • Downtown St. Louis Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour App: $7.75
  • Gateway Arch National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $17
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $17
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $27
  • Museum of Illusions St Louis Admission Ticket: $35
  • Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries): $129
  • Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis: $165
  • Private Walking Tour of Saint Louis' Fascinating History: $159
  • Saint Louis Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Saint Louis $19

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 Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Saint Louis, 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.