vs
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇴 Medellin
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $70/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.92, dorms avg $20
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.90, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
28 attractions
★★★★★
23 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇴 Medellin | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $23 | $0/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $41 | $36 cheaper | $5/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $74 | $67 cheaper | $6/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇴 Medellin | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.78 | $6.64 2% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.61 | $13.45 24% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.90 18% less | $2.32 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.92 36% less | $3.02 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.94 | $0.54 43% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇴▼
Medellin
Colombia
34
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBlack Sheep Hostel Medellin (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$20/night
Total hostels5
🇲🇽▼
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
🇨🇴 Medellin
🇲🇽 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 Medellin & Oaxaca
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇴 Medellin
27°C
High
/
17°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 288mm/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
🇨🇴 Medellin
1. CaballoFree
2. CabezaFree
3. Casa Museo OtraparteFree
4. Centro Cultural Facultad de Artes U de AFree
5. El hombre ante los grandes descubrimientos…Free
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Medellin or Oaxaca cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Medellin vs Oaxaca?+
Do I need a visa for Medellin or Oaxaca?+
When is the best time to visit Medellin or Oaxaca?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Medellin and Oaxaca?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds