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

Should you visit Merida or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Austin, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Merida and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Austin?

Both Austin and Merida have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Merida is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Merida different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin 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 Austin?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Austin and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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).

Is Merida or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its music scene. However, Merida is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Austin?

Merida is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Merida or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Families?

Merida and Austin 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 Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Couples?

Merida and Austin are both notable to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Austin are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Merida or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Merida or Austin a more walkable city?

Merida is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Merida?

How long in Merida or Austin?

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

Families should spend more time in Merida than Austin. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Merida 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 Austin.

One day in Merida or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Austin?

Merida is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. 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 Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Merida. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Austin?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Austin, 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 Austin?

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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Austin. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Austin. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Austin. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Merida is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Austin. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Austin. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Merida