vs
Oaxacais 28% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs Santiago "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇱 Santiago
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 $45/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $3.52, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $3.49, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
29 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇱 Santiago | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $33 | $9/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 cheaper | $53 | $17/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 cheaper | $86 | $19/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇨🇱 Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 38% less | $10.70 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 44% less | $23.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 34% less | $3.49 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 14% less | $3.52 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 36% less | $0.85 |
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
🇨🇱▼
Santiago
Chile
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMaktub Europa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇨🇱 Santiago
🇪🇺 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 & Santiago
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇱 Santiago
27°C
High
/
15°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 4mm/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
🇨🇱 Santiago
1. Casa Museo La Chascona
2. Centro Cultural Palacio de La MonedaFree
3. Museo de los TajamaresFree
4. Virgen de la Inmaculada ConcepciónFree
5. Alegoría greco-romana que simboliza la Rep…Free
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or Santiago cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs Santiago?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or Santiago?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or Santiago?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and Santiago?+
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