vs
San Cristobal de las Casasis 15% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (56/10) vs Oaxaca "Fair" (44/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $9/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
18 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $23/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $2.33, dorms avg $9
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.53, 18 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 | $20 cheaper | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 | $32 cheaper | $4/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 | $66 cheaper | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 | $5.24 21% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 | $11.30 16% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 8% less | $2.53 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 | $2.33 23% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 | $0.54 |
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
🇲🇽▼
San Cristobal de las Casas
Mexico
56
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCasa Tequio (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels18
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas
🇪🇺 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 & San Cristobal de las Casas
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas
24°C
High
/
12°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 39mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
🇲🇽 San Cristobal de las Casas
1. Jardin del JaguarFree
2. María Adelina Flores MoralesFree
3. Museo de Culturas PopularesFree
4. Museo de la Medicina MayaFree
5. Museum of AmberFree
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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