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

Should you visit Merida or Greensboro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Greensboro, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Greensboro

Greensboro is a welcoming, under-rated, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Greensboro travel costs.

Merida and Greensboro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Merida or Greensboro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Greensboro, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more touristy than Greensboro and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Greensboro is popular for its interesting museums and diverse restaurants.

How is Merida different from Greensboro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Greensboro. The Greensboro Science Center is a highlight for families. Other interesting museums around town include the Elsewhere Modern Art Museum, the Greensboro History Museum, the International Civil Rights Center, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.


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

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Merida. 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).

Greensboro may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. You'll find a good selection of restaurants around town with Mexican, southern, Italian, and Chinese all being popular options.

Is Merida or Greensboro Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Merida is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Greensboro has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for the most trendy bars, breweries, and nightclubs.

Is Merida or Greensboro Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for its old town. However, Greensboro 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.

Greensboro does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Greensboro?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Greensboro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Greensboro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping centers and shopping malls around town as well as some interesting local boutiques.

Is Merida or Greensboro Better for Families?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida and Greensboro are both good destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Greensboro. Kids will love visiting the Greensboro Science Center, which has hands-on science exhibits and a small zoo. Younger kids will also enjoy a visit to the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. During the summer months the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park is a great way to spend a day. Other times of the year, there are indoor play spaces and movie theaters around town.

Is Merida or Greensboro Better for Couples?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for couples.

Merida makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Greensboro is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The Carolina Theater makes a great date night activity. There is also a diverse selection of restaurants around town and a few parks for a daytime outing.


Is Merida or Greensboro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for backpackers. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Greensboro is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of budget hotels nearby but no real hostels.

Is Merida or Greensboro Better for Students?

Merida
Greensboro

Greensboro is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Greensboro. University of North Carolina at Greensboro attracts students to the city. There are also several smaller colleges in the area.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is a good destination for its public transit. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Greensboro. There are several bus routes around town, but you really can depend on them to get where you're going. A car is important for making the most of your trip.


Is Merida or Greensboro a more walkable city?

Merida
Greensboro

Merida is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Greensboro is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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

Greensboro is generally not a very walkable city. Most areas aren't walkable, but for the most pedestrian-friendly sections head to College Hill, downtown, or Brice Street.

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

Should I spend more time in Greensboro or Merida?

How long in Merida or Greensboro?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Merida or Greensboro to fill your time. In our opinion, Merida has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Merida than Greensboro. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Greensboro 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.


  • How many days in Merida or Greensboro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Greensboro 1-2

One day in Merida or Greensboro?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Greensboro. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Greensboro?

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.

Greensboro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Merida or Greensboro?

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 Greensboro. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Greensboro?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Greensboro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Greensboro or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Merida Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Greensboro Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Merida $99
    Greensboro $197

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Greensboro is $197. 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 Greensboro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Greensboro $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Greensboro $192
Compare Hotels in Merida and Greensboro

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Greensboro? 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 Greensboro


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 Greensboro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Greensboro $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $156
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Greensboro?

Prices for flights to both Greensboro 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 $46
    Greensboro $82

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
  • Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
  • Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
  • Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Greensboro $26
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
    $0.11
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $18
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $5.43

Tours and Activities in Merida

For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Merida with 2 Routes: $8.00
  • Historical, Cultural, and Artistic Tour of Downtown Merida: $17
  • Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
  • Uxmal Archeological Site Guided Walking Tour with Entry Fee: $28
  • Mérida Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Yucatan Cuisine Tasting Tour Merida : $35
  • Private Merida Tour on a Budget - Best Rated : $37
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
  • Progreso, Flamingos, Cenote, and Salt Ponds adventure from Merida: $61
  • Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $62
  • From Chichen Itza Tour, Izamal, Cenote Ik Kil and Food: $64
  • Guided tour to Chichén Itzá from Mérida: $64

Tours and Activities in Greensboro

Here are a few actual costs in Greensboro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gallows, Gunpowder & Graves of Greensboro Ghost Tours: $24
  • African American History Walking Tour: $19
  • Downtown Historic Walking Tour: $19
  • True Crime Walking Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Greensboro $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Greensboro, we can see that Greensboro 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 Greensboro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Greensboro 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 Greensboro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Merida or Greensboro?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Greensboro. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Greensboro, 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 Greensboro?

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 Greensboro in the Summer?

Both Greensboro and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Greensboro in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Greensboro. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Greensboro fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Greensboro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 273 hours of full sun.

Greensboro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Greensboro. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Greensboro receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Greensboro 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Merida or Greensboro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Greensboro. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Greensboro for the shopping scene during these months.

Merida is a little warmer than Greensboro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Greensboro fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Greensboro this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Greensboro during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Greensboro. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Greensboro 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Merida or Greensboro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Greensboro. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Greensboro because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Greensboro can be very cold. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Greensboro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Greensboro averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Greensboro. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Greensboro receives 169 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Greensboro. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Greensboro 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Merida or Greensboro in the Spring?

Both Greensboro 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Greensboro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Greensboro during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Greensboro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Greensboro. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Greensboro receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Greensboro 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Greensboro and Merida

Merida Greensboro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 40°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 61°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 80°F (26°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 53°F (12°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)