vs
Salentois 10% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (46/10) vs Oaxaca "Fair" (44/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $15/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇴 Salento
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
20 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $43/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $2.06, dorms avg $15
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $0.98, 20 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇴 Salento | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 | $21 cheaper | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 | $28 cheaper | $8/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 | $50 cheaper | $18/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇴 Salento |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 | $5.74 14% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 | $7.90 41% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 | $0.98 58% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 | $2.06 32% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 28% less | $0.75 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽▼
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
🇨🇴▼
Salento
Colombia
46
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelEl Regalo Finca Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels20
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇴 Salento
🇪🇺 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 Oaxaca & Salento
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇴 Salento
22°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 787mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
🇨🇴 Salento
1. Alto De La CruzFree
2. Don Elías Coffee tourFree
3. Infinit ceremonial centerFree
4. Mirador Alto De La CruzFree
5. Mirador Valle del CocoraFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or Salento cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs Salento?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or Salento?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or Salento?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and Salento?+
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