A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Merida for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Merida can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Merida or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Merida is $88. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Merida in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Merida $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Merida

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Merida


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Merida $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $51
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
  • Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
  • Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
  • Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
  • Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
  • Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida?

Prices for flights to both Merida and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
    Merida $29
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $62
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
  • Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Merida $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
  • 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96

Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.12
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $20
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $6.01

Tours and Activities in Merida

For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $8.00
  • Mérida Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
  • Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
  • Merida Private Tour on a Budget : $29
  • Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
  • Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $65
  • Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum: $67
  • Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
  • Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
  • Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Merida $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Merida is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Merida. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Meridain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than Meridain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida in the Autumn?

Both Merida and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Meridain October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Merida during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Meridain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida in the Winter?

Both Merida and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Merida in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Meridain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Meridain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Merida 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Merida in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Merida. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Merida. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Merida during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Meridain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Merida and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Merida
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)