Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Bogota?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Bogota, 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.
Where Should I go: Merida or Bogota?
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Bogota $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $53. 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 Merida and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Merida and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Bogota? 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: Merida Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Bogota $8.77
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
- Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
- Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
- Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Merida 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 dayMerida $29Bogota $14
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
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Bogota $13
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.31
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Bogota Street Art Tour with transportation: $184
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Bogota $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Bogota, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Bogota is in South 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Bogota, 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 Bogota?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Bogota in the Summer?
Both Bogota and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Merida is a little warmer than Bogota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Bogota. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Merida or Bogota in the Autumn?
Both Bogota and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
In October, Merida is generally a little warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Bogota gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Bogota. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Merida or Bogota in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Bogota. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Merida is a little warmer than Bogota in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Bogota. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Merida or Bogota in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Bogota. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
In the spring, Merida is a little warmer than Bogota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Bogota averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Bogota. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Merida
| Merida | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 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.