Which place is cheaper, Havana or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Havana, 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Merida and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Havana $19
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 Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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
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Food Meals for one dayMerida $29Havana $10
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 Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Havana $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.12
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$20
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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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Havana, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Havana, 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 Havana?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
Merida is cooler than Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Merida usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or Havana in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Havana. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Havana. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Merida or Havana in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Havana. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
In January, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Havana. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Merida or Havana in the Spring?
Both Havana and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Havana. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Merida
| Merida | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.