Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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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Merida Prices
Mexico PricesBogota Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $105Bogota $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $105, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $65. 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 $43Bogota $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $86Bogota $54
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 $9.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $148
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from/to Merida Airport: $11
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $133
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $133
- Private Transfer Merida to Playa del Carmen with Flexible Stops: $245
- Private Transfer Mérida to Tulum with Flexible Stops: $198
- Private Transfer Mérida to Cancun with Flexible Sightseeing: $258
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $154
- Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $154
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $125
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $215
- Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.82
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Taxi Ride$0.41
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2 Bus Passes$0.92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral with tickets, guide and transfers: $118
- VIP Transfer to Salt Cathedral & Lake Guatavita from Bogota: $44
- VIP Private Transfer: El Dorado Airport → Bogota Hotels SUV 24hrs: $9.99
- Transfers Bogota - Zipaquirá: $59
- Transfer with wait for Andrés carne de res experience (Chia): $99
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $15
- Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $36
- Private Transfer from Aeropurto to Bogota Hotels: $25
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Bogotá Hotel to El Dorado Airport BOG: $20
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 $49Bogota $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated: $44
- Twilight Tastes Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef: $65
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Hands On night Mexican Cooking with Masa: $82
- Empanadas, Salsas and Spirits in Hands-On Mexican Cooking Night: $82
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $94
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $95
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $135
- Day of the Dead Cooking Experience in Mérida: $158
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.63
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Hot Dog$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4h Cooking Class in Bogota with 10 Recipes and Bottomless Drinks: $55
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $55
- Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $63
- Bogotá Local Food Tour - La Candelaria: $65
- Food Tour EN the Usaquén neighborhood: $75
- Andres Carne de Res: Transportation, ticket, dinner & local guide: $136
- Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $15Bogota $14
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)$19
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.76
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $177
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $59
- 3x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Town & Cenote & Izamal from Merida: $108
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $85
- Adventure 4 cenotes: $115
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $118
- Bacalar Boat Ride Lagoon Adventure from Merida: $147
- Bar hopping tour in Merida: $69
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $106
- Bird Watching Tour North of Mérida-Half Day: $300
- Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $104
- Celestun and Sisal Tour from Mérida: $89
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$1.36
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Mountains and Valleys Offroad Tour: $125
- 3 Hour Road Bike Shared Tour in Bogota: $120
- 3-in-1 Panoramic City Tour Beyond the Ordinary: $40
- 3-in-1 Panoramic city tour with walking candelaria & experiences: $15
- 3-in-1 Panoramic city tour with walking tour and experiences: $40
- 4 Guided Museum & City Tour with Coffee & Snack in Bogotá: $53
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $231
- 5 hour Bogotá City & Monserrate Hill Tour: $138
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
- 6-hour private city tour of Bogotá: $116
- Adventure in Guatavita Casa Loca and Charms of the Town: $140
- Adventure in the Andes Mountains: $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $15Bogota $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Pub CrawL la Candelaria/Bogotá Español: $39
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.