vs
Caliis 24% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (51/10) vs Oaxaca "Fair" (44/10). Dorms avg $13/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇴 Cali
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $69/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.63, dorms avg $13
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.52, 20 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
21 attractions
★★★★★
23 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇴 Cali | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 cheaper | $23 | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 cheaper | $36 | $0/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $69 | $67 cheaper | $2/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇴 Cali | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.20 37% less | $6.64 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $15.92 | $13.45 16% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.52 34% less | $2.32 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.63 46% less | $3.02 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.87 | $0.54 38% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇴▼
Cali
Colombia
51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $13/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBohemia Boutique Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$13/night
Total hostels20
🇲🇽▼
Oaxaca
Mexico
44
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Central (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇴 Cali
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Cali & Oaxaca
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇴 Cali
25°C
High
/
19°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 278mm/month
Best months: Mar
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇴 Cali
No attraction data
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Cali or Oaxaca cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Cali vs Oaxaca?+
Do I need a visa for Cali or Oaxaca?+
When is the best time to visit Cali or Oaxaca?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Cali and Oaxaca?+
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