vs
Oaxacais 31% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs San Pedro de Atacama "Fair" (48/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $17/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $49/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $4.15, dorms avg $17
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.21, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
19 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $34 | $11/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 cheaper | $49 | $12/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 cheaper | $77 | $9/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 41% less | $11.30 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 23% less | $17.50 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 45% less | $4.21 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 27% less | $4.15 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 13% less | $0.62 |
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 Pedro de Atacama
Chile
48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Belen (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
🇪🇺 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 & San Pedro de Atacama
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 Pedro de Atacama
25°C
High
/
10°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 9mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
1. Cordillera de La SalFree
2. Cuevas de ChulacaoFree
3. Piedra del CoyoteFree
4. Túnel de CatarpeFree
5. Valle de MarteFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or San Pedro de Atacama cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs San Pedro de Atacama?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or San Pedro de Atacama?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or San Pedro de Atacama?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and San Pedro de Atacama?+
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