Santa Martais 8% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (41/10) vs San Juan del Sur "Pricey" (38/10). Dorms avg $14/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★16 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
★★★★★19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $46/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.30, dorms avg $14
★★★★★Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $1.36, 16 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $19 | $17 cheaper | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $36 | $35 cheaper | $1/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $64 cheaper | $72 | $8/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.96 | $3.91 21% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.35 4% less | $18.15 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.36 | $1.02 25% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.30 | $1.72 25% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.14 81% less | $0.73 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇳🇮San Juan del Sur
Nicaragua
38
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelHush Maderas (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels16
🇨🇴41
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelMagdalena Beach House (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels19
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
City to City
Getting Between San Juan del Sur & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
🌧 Rainfall: 6mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇳🇮 San Juan del Sur
1. Christ of the MercyFree
2. Fortaleza el Vigia.Free
3. better view of the beachFree
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is San Juan del Sur or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in San Juan del Sur vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for San Juan del Sur or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur or Santa Marta?+
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