Santa Martais 22% cheaper Dorms avg $17/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Cancun
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 7.6 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $60/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.92, dorms avg $30
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.00, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
0 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Cancun | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $45 | $35 cheaper | $10/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $55 | $45 cheaper | $10/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $100 | $72 cheaper | $28/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Cancun | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6 | $4 33% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $18 | $12 33% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.50 | $1.50 57% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3 | $1.50 50% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.70 | $0.50 29% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽
Cancun
Mexico
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMezcal Boutique Hotel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels15
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Cancun
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Cancun & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Cancun
28°C
High
/
24°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Cancun or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Cancun vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for Cancun or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit Cancun or Santa Marta?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Cancun and Santa Marta?+
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