A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Hilton Head Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Hilton Head Island, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Merida and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Merida different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Merida is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Merida specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Hilton Head Island does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Merida is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. 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.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Merida and Hilton Head Island are both nice to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Merida is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Merida or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Merida is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Merida?

How long in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Both Merida and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Merida. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Merida is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Merida. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Hilton Head Island?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In the autumn, Merida is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Hilton Head Island. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Merida is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Hilton Head Island. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Merida