A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Winston-Salem for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Winston-Salem: 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
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Winston-Salem. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Winston-Salem, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its historic old town charm. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the most recognized in 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.

Winston-Salem is a good destination for visiting its old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem.

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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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 mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Winston-Salem

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the friendly city of Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51
    Winston-Salem $181

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51, while the average daily cost in Winston-Salem is $181. 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 Winston-Salem in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
    Winston-Salem $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
    Winston-Salem $182
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Winston-Salem

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem? 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 Winston-Salem


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 Winston-Salem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Winston-Salem $23

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

Prices for flights to both Winston-Salem 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
    Winston-Salem $73

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
    Winston-Salem $20

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

Tours and Activities in Winston-Salem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Winston-Salem are as follows:

  • Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour: $26
  • Old Salem's Ghost Self Guided Outside Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Winston Salem African American History Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour: $19
  • Winston-Salem True Crime Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Winston-Salem $24

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 Winston-Salem, we can see that Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Winston-Salem?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Winston-Salem. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Winston-Salem, 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.