vs
Santa Martais 27% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (41/10) vs Oaxaca "Fair" (44/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 | $17 cheaper | $6/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 | $35 cheaper | $1/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 cheaper | $72 | $5/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 | $3.91 41% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 26% less | $18.15 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 | $1.02 56% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 | $1.72 43% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 26% less | $0.73 |
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
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇪🇺 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 & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
1. Árbol del TuleFree
2. Benito JuárezFree
3. Capilla AbiertaFree
4. Casa CuéFree
5. Casa de Juárez
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or Santa Marta?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and Santa Marta?+
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