vs
Oaxacais 27% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs Tulum "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $15/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 Tulum
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
16 hostels, avg 8.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $86/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $51/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.02, dorms avg $19
★★★★★
Coffee $3.68, dorms avg $15
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.32, 21 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.96, 16 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
23 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 Tulum | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $32 | $9/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 cheaper | $55 | $18/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $67 cheaper | $98 | $31/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Oaxaca | 🇲🇽 Tulum |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.64 33% less | $9.98 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.45 50% less | $26.95 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.32 22% less | $2.96 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.02 18% less | $3.68 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.54 53% less | $1.16 |
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
🇲🇽▼
Tulum
Mexico
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $15/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBotanica Tulum (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$15/night
Total hostels16
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
🇲🇽 Tulum
🇪🇺 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 & Tulum
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Oaxaca
30°C
High
/
14°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 23mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇲🇽 Tulum
29°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/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
🇲🇽 Tulum
1. Gran Cenote
2. Caleta TankahFree
3. Cenote CristalFree
4. Cenote Zacil-haFree
5. Diving Cenotes dive centerFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Oaxaca or Tulum cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Oaxaca vs Tulum?+
Do I need a visa for Oaxaca or Tulum?+
When is the best time to visit Oaxaca or Tulum?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Oaxaca and Tulum?+
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