A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Anchorage?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Anchorage, 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.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Anchorage. Merida is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Merida different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Merida. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Anchorage?

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Merida offers plenty to do in the evening. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Anchorage draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Anchorage?

Merida is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Families?

Merida and Anchorage are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Anchorage. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Anchorage makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Merida or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Merida or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Merida is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Merida?

How long in Merida or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Anchorage than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Merida than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Merida, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Anchorage. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Merida that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Anchorage if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Merida.

One day in Merida or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Anchorage?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Merida would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Merida 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Merida.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Anchorage?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Anchorage, 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 Merida or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Anchorage. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is a little warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Merida is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. Merida is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Anchorage. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the spring, Merida is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Merida