Santa Martais 50% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (41/10) vs San Pedro de Atacama "Fair" (48/10). Dorms avg $17/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
★★★★★19 hostels, avg 9.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $49/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $48/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $4.15, dorms avg $17
★★★★★Coffee $1.72, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $4.21, 21 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.02, 19 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $34 | $17 cheaper | $17/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $49 | $35 cheaper | $13/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $77 | $72 cheaper | $5/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama | 🇨🇴 Santa Marta |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.30 | $3.91 65% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.50 4% less | $18.15 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.21 | $1.02 76% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.15 | $1.72 59% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.62 15% less | $0.73 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇱San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelHostal Belen (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels21
🇨🇴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 Pedro de Atacama
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
City to City
Getting Between San Pedro de Atacama & Santa Marta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
🌧 Rainfall: 9mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
🌧 Rainfall: 33mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
1. Cordillera de La SalFree
2. Cuevas de ChulacaoFree
3. Piedra del CoyoteFree
4. Túnel de CatarpeFree
5. Valle de MarteFree
🇨🇴 Santa Marta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is San Pedro de Atacama or Santa Marta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in San Pedro de Atacama vs Santa Marta?+
Do I need a visa for San Pedro de Atacama or Santa Marta?+
When is the best time to visit San Pedro de Atacama or Santa Marta?+
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