Which place is cheaper, Merida or Florianopolis?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Florianopolis or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Florianopolis or Merida? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Florianopolis or Merida?
Florianopolis
With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.
Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, 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 dayFlorianopolis $62Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFlorianopolis $26Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFlorianopolis $52Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Florianopolis $13Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis
Also for Florianopolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
- Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
- Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
- Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
- Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
- Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
- Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
- One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
- Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14
- Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
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 Florianopolis or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Florianopolis 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 dayFlorianopolis $22Merida $29
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Snack$0.44
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.Florianopolis $26Merida $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Internet$0.59
Tours and Activities in Florianopolis
For Florianopolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
- Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
- Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
- Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
- Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
- Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
- Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
- Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
- Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
- Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
- Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
- Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44
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 dayFlorianopolis $8.68Merida $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florianopolis from other travelers:
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Beer$0.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florianopolis and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Florianopolis much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Merida?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Merida in the Summer?
Both Merida and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Florianopolis is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Merida. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Merida during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 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 JulyFlorianopolis 25°C (76°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Florianopolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In April, Florianopolis is generally around the same temperature as Meridain October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Meridain October. Florianopolis gets 179 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. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 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 OctoberFlorianopolis 22°C (71°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Merida in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Merida. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Florianopolis is cooler than Merida in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Merida during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Meridain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryFlorianopolis 17°C (62°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Florianopolis or Merida in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Merida. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In the spring, Florianopolis is around the same temperature as Merida. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Meridain April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 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 AprilFlorianopolis 20°C (68°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Florianopolis
| Florianopolis | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 95 mm (3.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (71°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.