Oaxacais 48% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (50/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $45 | $22/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 cheaper | $58 | $22/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 | $6 10% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 25% less | $18 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 23% less | $3 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 | $3 1% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 10% less | $0.60 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽▼
Oaxaca
Mexico
50
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels). Plenty to see (23 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Central (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
🇲🇽▼
Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $24/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelVive Alegria Hostel (9.3)
Annual dorm avg$24/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Oaxaca & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs Puerto Vallarta?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or Puerto Vallarta?+
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