vs
San Cristobal de las Casasis 15% cheaper β BDI "Good Deal" (69/10) vs Oaxaca "Fair" (50/10). Dorms avg $β19/night vs $β9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best Forβ¦
Traveler type
π²π½ Oaxaca
π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas
Solo budget traveler
β
β
β
β
β
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
β
β
β
β
β
18 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
β
β
β
β
β
Private rooms avg $86/night
β
β
β
β
β
Private rooms avg $23/night
Digital nomad
β
β
β
β
β
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
β
β
β
β
β
Coffee $2.33, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
β
β
β
β
β
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
β
β
β
β
β
Beer $2.53, 18 hostels
First-time Europer
β
β
β
β
β
23 attractions
β
β
β
β
β
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | π²π½ Oaxaca | π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed Β· street food Β· free activities | $β23 | $β20 cheaper | $3/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private Β· restaurants | $36 | $32 cheaper | $4/day |
flashpackr Private rooms Β· dining out Β· some tours | $67 | $66 cheaper | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | π²π½ Oaxaca | π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas |
|---|---|---|
| π₯Street food meal Local market, street stall | $β6.64 | $β5.24 21% less |
| π½οΈMid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $β13.45 | $β11.30 16% less |
| πΊBeer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $β2.32 8% less | $β2.53 |
| βCoffee Espresso or flat white | $β3.02 | $β2.33 23% less |
| πSingle metro / bus Standard single ticket | $β0.54 | $β0.54 |
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
π²π½βΌ
Oaxaca
Mexico
50
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels). Plenty to see (23 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Central (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$β19/night
Total hostels21
π²π½βΌ
San Cristobal de las Casas
Mexico
69
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night). Strong hostel scene (18 hostels). Plenty to see (25 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal De Maria (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$β9/night
Total hostels18
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
π²π½ Oaxaca
π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas
πͺπΊ EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
πΊπΈ US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¬π§ UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¦πΊ Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¨π¦ Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Oaxaca & San Cristobal de las Casas
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Β°C Β· mm
π²π½ Oaxaca
31Β°C
High
/
15Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 40mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas
25Β°C
High
/
14Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 88mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
π²π½ Oaxaca
1. Antonio de LeΓ³n
2. Arte de Oaxaca
3. Benito JuΓ‘rez
4. Capilla Abierta
5. Carlos & Alberto
π²π½ San Cristobal de las Casas
1. Arco de Piedra
2. Beau DΓ©gΓ’t [bo.de.ga]
3. Cafemuseo cafe
4. City tour bus
5. El mirador
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or San Cristobal de las Casas cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs San Cristobal de las Casas?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or San Cristobal de las Casas?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or San Cristobal de las Casas?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and San Cristobal de las Casas?+
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