Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Merida or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Guayaquil $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $95. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Guayaquil $32
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Merida and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Guayaquil airport to the hotel and vice versa: $30
- Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $12
- Transfer Cuenca - Guayaquil (or Vice versa) With Visit To Cajas National Park: $128
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Guayaquil: $47
- Shared transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $47
- Private transfer Guayaquil - Montañita: $250
- Private Transfers to and from the Airport in Guayaquil: $25
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $98
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $89
- Private Transfer Out From Hotel to Guayaquil Airport: $25
- Private Transfer In From Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $25
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $29Guayaquil $29
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Guayaquil Culinary Adventure, Cacao Cooking Class: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Guayaquil $21
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 Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-hour Pacari Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience: $20
- City Tour Guayaquil: $40
- City Tour around Guayaquil: $75
- Cocoa and Gastronomy Tour at Hacienda CacaoyMango: $155
- Dolphin Watching Experience in Puerto El Morro from Guayaquil: $165
- Exclusive private luxury cocoa experience: $187
- From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $159
- From Montañita: Paragliding Experience: $55
- Full Day Ayangue Tour with Snorkeling in The Pelado's Islote: $295
- Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
- Full Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $263
- Full day private tour Mangroves, dolphins and birds from guayaquil : $215
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Guayaquil $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Merida and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Merida is in North America and Guayaquil is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Guayaquil experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Merida or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil year-round.
In the autumn, Merida is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Merida or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Guayaquil. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Merida is generally cooler than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Guayaquil. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquil. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Merida
| Merida | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.