Santa Martais 14% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (53/10) vs Quito "Good Deal" (62/10). Dorms avg $11/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇪🇨 Quito
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
14 hostels, avg 8.3 rating
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $28/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.00, dorms avg $12
★★★★★
Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.50, 14 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
27 attractions
★★★★★
22 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇪🇨 Quito | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $20 | $17 cheaper | $3/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $43 | $35 cheaper | $7/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $82 | $72 cheaper | $10/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇪🇨 Quito | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $5 | $3.91 22% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $21.25 | $18.15 15% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.50 | $1.02 59% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3 | $1.72 43% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.35 52% less | $0.73 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇪🇨▼
Quito
Ecuador
62
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $11/night). Strong hostel scene (14 hostels). Plenty to see (27 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelColonial House Inn (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$11/night
Total hostels14
🇨🇴▼
Santa Marta
Colombia
53
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $14/night). Strong hostel scene (19 hostels). Plenty to see (22 attractions).
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
🇪🇨 Quito
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Quito & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇪🇨 Quito
17°C
High
/
11°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 361mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug, Sep
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
28°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 122mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇪🇨 Quito
1. Casa San Marcos
2. Centro Comercial La Merced
3. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Quito
4. El Churo
5. El Tejar
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
1. Atlantida de buceo
2. Bahia Concha
3. Caribe colombiano diving
4. Casa de la Aduana
5. Centro Internacional del Rodadero
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Quito or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Quito vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for Quito or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit Quito or Santa Marta?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Quito and Santa Marta?+
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