Which place is cheaper, Merida or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Merida?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $66Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $66, 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 Foz do Iguacu and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport to Hotels on the Argentine side: $42
- Transfer IN IGU & Iguassu Falls Brazilian side & Macuco Boat Safari: $220
- Transfer Cataratas Argentina: $19
- Shared Roundtrip Transfers with Brazilian and Argentinian sides: $120
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $49
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu airport and bus station: $22
- Private E Bike Tour Iguaçu Waterfalls + Transfers + Tickets: $131
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer : $20
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 Foz do Iguacu or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $22Merida $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Official Entrance: Dinner with Latin American Show at Rafain Steakhouse: $52
- Entrance to Rafain with Dinner and Show: $74
- Rafain dinner Samba Show: $94
- Transport to Acaray Casino + dinner (optional): $100
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse : $100
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $103
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $107
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas : $135
- Foz do Iguacu Dancing Musical Show with Dinner and Pickup: $208
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.Foz do Iguacu $24Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Private Tour Argentinean & Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: $150
- 2-Day Private Tour Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Argentina: $229
- 2-Day Private Tour to Argentina and Brazil Falls: $112
- 2-Days Private Brasil & Argentina Iguassu Falls Experience : $116
- 2-day private tour Both waterfalls+ bird park: $199
- Airport IGU Pick-Up & Shopping In Paraguay & Hotel Drop-Off - Private Tour: $100
- Airport IGU Round Trip & Iguassu Falls Argentinean side & Great Adventure: $295
- Argentina Bike Experience: Interact with indigenous communities: $90
- Argentinean Side Iguassu Falls - Private Tour: $120
- Argentinian Side of the Falls - All Tickets Included: $92
- Argentinian Side of the Falls and Boat Tour Gran Aventura - All Tickets Included: $231
- Bird Park Tour: $25
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Merida $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
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Beer$0.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Merida?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Merida in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu 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, Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the summer temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Foz do Iguacu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in January than Meridain July. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Foz do Iguacu 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, Foz do Iguacu is generally around the same temperature as Meridain October. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 23°C (73°F), and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. In April, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Meridain October. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida and Foz do Iguacu during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Foz do Iguacu is cooler than Merida in the winter. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in July than Meridain January. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Merida in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Merida. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the spring temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in April.
Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Meridain April. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.