A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Merida or Cordoba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $44
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $88
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Merida and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Cordoba? 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.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $18
    Cordoba $2.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Merida $29
    Cordoba $3.83

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 Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $16
    Cordoba $1.88
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.12
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $20
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
  • Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
  • Cumbrecita Tour: $88
  • El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $16
    Cordoba $1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Cordoba, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Merida or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Merida or Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Cordoba. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Cordobain January. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Merida or Cordoba in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Cordoba. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

In October, Merida is generally a little warmer than Cordobain April. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Cordobain April. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Merida or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Merida is cooler than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives more rain than Cordobain July. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Merida or Cordoba in the Spring?

Both Cordoba and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain October. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Cordobain October. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Merida

Merida Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)