Which place is cheaper, Merida or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Asuncion or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Merida, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Asuncion or Merida?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
Merida
Merida is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is also the capital of the state of Yucatan as a whole. There is a population of 750,000 and is very rich in diversity and culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Asuncion Prices
Paraguay PricesMerida Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $98Merida $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $98, while the average daily cost in Merida is $105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Asuncion and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $27Merida $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $54Merida $86
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Merida? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $11Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Silvio Pettirossi Airport to Asuncion Transfers: $50
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Asuncion Airport (ASU): $50
- Private Transfer to Asuncion Airport (ASU): $26
- Private Transfer from Asuncion Airport (ASU): $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $148
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from/to Merida Airport: $11
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $133
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $133
- Private Transfer Merida to Playa del Carmen with Flexible Stops: $245
- Private Transfer Mérida to Tulum with Flexible Stops: $198
- Private Transfer Mérida to Cancun with Flexible Sightseeing: $258
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $154
- Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $154
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $125
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $215
- Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Asuncion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAsuncion $36Merida $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated: $44
- Twilight Tastes Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef: $65
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Hands On night Mexican Cooking with Masa: $82
- Empanadas, Salsas and Spirits in Hands-On Mexican Cooking Night: $82
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $94
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $95
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $135
- Day of the Dead Cooking Experience in Mérida: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $20Merida $15
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Asunción Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Asuncion : Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $37
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $100
- Asuncion Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $30
- Asuncion Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $35
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $160
- Cultural City 3 Hour Tour in Asuncion by Bus: $180
- Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
- Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $230
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $180
- VIP Transportation and Custom Tours in Paraguay: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.12
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$19
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.76
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $177
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $59
- 3x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Town & Cenote & Izamal from Merida: $108
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $85
- Adventure 4 cenotes: $115
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $118
- Bacalar Boat Ride Lagoon Adventure from Merida: $147
- Bar hopping tour in Merida: $69
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $106
- Bird Watching Tour North of Mérida-Half Day: $300
- Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $104
- Celestun and Sisal Tour from Mérida: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $13Merida $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $41
When comparing the travel costs between Asuncion and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Asuncion is in South America and Merida is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Merida?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Merida, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Asuncion or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Asuncion is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Asuncion or Merida in the Summer?
Both Merida and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In January, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Meridain July. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Merida during summer. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In January, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Asuncion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Asuncion is a little warmer than Merida in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Meridain October. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun.
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Merida in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Merida. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Asuncion is around the same temperature as Merida. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Merida averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Merida during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Meridain January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Merida in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Merida. Also, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
In October, Asuncion is generally a little warmer than Meridain April. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In the spring, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Meridain April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asuncion usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.