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

Should you visit Merida or Clearwater?

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

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

Clearwater

Clearwater is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Merida and Clearwater: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Clearwater?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Clearwater. Merida is bigger than Clearwater, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Clearwater is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Clearwater is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Merida different from Clearwater?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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

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

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, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for Nightlife?

Merida is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Merida has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for Resorts?

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

Clearwater is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its historic old town. However, Clearwater 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.

Clearwater does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Clearwater?

Merida is notable for shopping. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal 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 Clearwater. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Is Merida or Clearwater Better for Families?

Clearwater 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 Clearwater. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

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 Clearwater Better for Couples?

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

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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 Clearwater Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city 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.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Merida is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal 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 mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Merida or Clearwater a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Clearwater or Merida?

How long in Merida or Clearwater?

In either Merida or Clearwater, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater 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 Clearwater.

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

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

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

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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater?

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.

Clearwater 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 Clearwater?

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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater?

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 beautiful destination of Clearwater. 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 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 Clearwater, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Clearwater?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Clearwater, 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 Clearwater?

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 Clearwater in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Clearwater. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Clearwater. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Clearwater averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. 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 Clearwater. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Clearwater. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Clearwater in the Autumn?

Both Clearwater and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Merida is generally cooler than Clearwater. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Clearwater fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Clearwater. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Should I visit Merida or Clearwater in the Winter?

Both Clearwater and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Merida is a little warmer than Clearwater in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Clearwater fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Clearwater. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Clearwater receives 200 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Clearwater. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Clearwater in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Clearwater. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Clearwater during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Clearwater receives 299 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 Clearwater. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Clearwater receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Clearwater is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Clearwater and Merida