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

Should you visit Merida or Boca Raton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Boca Raton, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Boca Raton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Boca Raton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Boca Raton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Boca Raton attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Merida is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere.

How is Merida different from Boca Raton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Boca Raton.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Boca Raton makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Boca Raton have great vibes after the sun sets.

Merida has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Boca Raton know how to have a good time. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Boca Raton is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Boca Raton has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Boca Raton are among the best in the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for its Old Town?

Merida is great for its historic old town charm. However, Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Merida. 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.

Boca Raton does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Boca Raton?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Merida and Boca Raton.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. 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.

Boca Raton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Families?

Boca Raton is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. 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.

Is Merida or Boca Raton Better for Couples?

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

Boca Raton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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 Boca Raton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination 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.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Merida and Boca Raton.

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

You'll find some public transit in Boca Raton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Is Merida or Boca Raton a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

Boca Raton is somewhat walkable. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Boca Raton or Merida?

How long in Merida or Boca Raton?

In either Merida or Boca Raton, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boca Raton than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boca Raton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Boca Raton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Boca Raton?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Boca Raton?

Merida, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Boca Raton?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the posh destination of Boca Raton. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Boca Raton?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Boca Raton, 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 Boca Raton?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Boca Raton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Boca Raton. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boca Raton in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Boca Raton in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Boca Raton fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Boca Raton during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Boca Raton receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Boca Raton. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Boca Raton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Boca Raton. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Boca Raton for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Boca Raton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Boca Raton averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets less sunshine than Boca Raton. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boca Raton receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Boca Raton. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Boca Raton in the Winter?

Both Boca Raton and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Boca Raton. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Boca Raton fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Boca Raton during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Boca Raton receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Boca Raton. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Boca Raton in the Spring?

Both Boca Raton and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year.

Merida is around the same temperature as Boca Raton in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Boca Raton fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Boca Raton. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boca Raton receives 300 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Boca Raton. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Boca Raton receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Typical Weather for Boca Raton and Merida