Which place is cheaper, Merida or Colonia del Sacramento?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Colonia del Sacramento or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colonia del Sacramento and Merida can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Colonia del Sacramento or Merida?
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is in the Rio de la Plata region of Uruguay. It is filled with old colonial buildings and cobbled streets, and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, sandwiched in between the Portuguese colony of Brazil and the Spanish Viceroyalty of the River Plate, later Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Its strategic position and use as a smuggling port meant that its sovereignty was constantly contested and the city changed hands several times between Spain and Portugal. The irresistibly picturesque town's charm and its proximity to Buenos Aires draw thousands of Argentine and other visitors on weekends and in summer. Prices rise in these periods and it can be difficult to find a room so make sure to book your trip well in advance.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayColonia del Sacramento $68Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Colonia del Sacramento is $68, 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 Colonia del Sacramento and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personColonia del Sacramento $34Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomColonia del Sacramento $68Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Colonia del Sacramento and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Colonia del Sacramento 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: Colonia del Sacramento Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $17Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Colonia del Sacramento
Also for Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Colonia Port Terminal Private Transfer : $15
- Colonia Bus Terminal Private Transfer : $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Colonia del Sacramento or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Colonia del Sacramento 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 dayColonia del Sacramento $19Merida $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sensory Experience - Blind dinner in Colonia Del Sacramento: $95
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Colonia del Sacramento $24Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Colonia del Sacramento
For Colonia del Sacramento, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Almacén de la Capilla - Winery Experience at Carmelo: $215
- Bus Ticket from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo: $27
- City Tour Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay: $90
- Colonia del Sacramento City Tour : $58
- Adventure Sightseeing Bike Tour: $53
- Historical Walking Tour with Snack: $58
- Colonia: Private City Tour on Foot (Historic District): $89
- Experience an typical Uruguayan dish: Chivito & Tannat Wine: $78
- From Best Private Wine Experience: $185
- From Horse Ride Experience: $72
- From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing: $150
- Full Day Birdwatching and Nature Tour: $200
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)$20
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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:
- From Mérida Tour Plus: Chichen Itza Ruins and Cenote Ik-kil: $195
- Romantic tour in Izamal: $159
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $179
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $125
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $110
- 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $95
- Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $138
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $95
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $208
- Cenotes Santa Barbara, Eknakan Church & Acanceh Ruins Tour: $110
- Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote and Izamal from Merida: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayColonia del Sacramento $5.85Merida $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Colonia del Sacramento and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Colonia del Sacramento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Colonia del Sacramento Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Colonia del Sacramento or Merida?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Colonia del Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Colonia del Sacramento 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 Colonia del Sacramento or Merida in the Summer?
Both Merida and Colonia del Sacramento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento is generally a little warmer than Meridain July. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 25°C (77°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 Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more sunshine than Merida during summer. Colonia del Sacramento gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Colonia del Sacramento gets 85 mm (3.3 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 JulyColonia del Sacramento 25°C (77°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Colonia del Sacramento during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Colonia del Sacramento is cooler than Merida in the autumn. The daily temperature in Colonia del Sacramento averages around 18°C (65°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, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Meridain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 183 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 Colonia del Sacramento. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Colonia del Sacramento gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberColonia del Sacramento 18°C (65°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Merida in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Colonia del Sacramento and Merida. Also, most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Colonia del Sacramento is much colder than Merida. Typically, the winter temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento in July average around 12°C (53°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. Colonia del Sacramento usually receives less sunshine than Merida during winter. Colonia del Sacramento gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Colonia del Sacramento usually receives more rain than Meridain January. Colonia del Sacramento gets 78 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryColonia del Sacramento 12°C (53°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Colonia del Sacramento or Merida in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Colonia del Sacramento as well as Merida. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city.
In October, Colonia del Sacramento is generally cooler than Meridain April. Daily temperatures in Colonia del Sacramento average around 18°C (64°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 Colonia del Sacramento this time of the year. In the spring, Colonia del Sacramento often gets less sunshine than Meridain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Colonia del Sacramento receives a lot of rain in the spring. Colonia del Sacramento usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Colonia del Sacramento gets 118 mm (4.6 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 AprilColonia del Sacramento 18°C (64°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Colonia del Sacramento
| Colonia del Sacramento | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 89 mm (3.5 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.