Oaxacais 33% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs Koh Phangan "Pricey" (29/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.14, dorms avg $20
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.33, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
23 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $35 | $23 cheaper | $12/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $45 | $36 cheaper | $9/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $55 cheaper | $67 | $12/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Koh Phangan | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3 55% less | $6.64 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10 26% less | $13.45 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.50 | $2.32 7% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2 34% less | $3.02 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.50 | $0.54 64% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Koh Phangan
Thailand
29
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBunkhouse Koh Phangan (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels15
🇲🇽▼
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
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Koh Phangan & Oaxaca
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
26°C
High
/
24°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 61mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Koh Phangan
1. BuddhaFree
2. Haad Yuan viewpointFree
3. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) StatueFree
4. Phaeng Yai WaterfallFree
5. Thong Nai Pan noi ViewFree
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Koh Phangan or Oaxaca cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Koh Phangan vs Oaxaca?+
Do I need a visa for Koh Phangan or Oaxaca?+
When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan or Oaxaca?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Koh Phangan and Oaxaca?+
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