Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Merida or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Merida and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Cuenca $11
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
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
-
Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 dayMerida $29Cuenca $15
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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
-
Lunch$10
-
Snacks$5.00
-
Empanada$1.50
-
Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Cuenca $16
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:
- Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $8.00
- Mérida Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
- Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
- Merida Private Tour on a Budget : $29
- Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $65
- Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum: $67
- Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
- Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
- Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds: $81
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Cuenca, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Cuenca?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In July, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Merida usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Merida or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Merida is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Merida or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Merida usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Merida or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Merida
| Merida | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.