Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
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.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona, or Kona, as it is commonly referred, is the largest city on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It's a popular destination for sport fishing, snorkeling, and its beautiful sunsets. Kona is protected by the mountains so it receives very little rain annually and has about 300 days of sunshine every year. The closest airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole, which receives flights from the mainland United States, Canada, as well as Honolulu and other islands. Once in town, you can walk around Kona, but if you hope to explore anywhere else on the Big Island you will need a car. To take full advantage of your Hawaiian vacation it really is recommended that you rent a car for at least a few days while you're on the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Kailua-Kona $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $231. 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 Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Merida and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Kailua-Kona? 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 Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $61
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona 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 $29Kailua-Kona $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traveling Spoon Yucatecan Sopa de Lima Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Private Nandayo Food Tour: $42
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $63
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
- Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Kailua-Kona $40
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: $8.96
- 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
- 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $67
- Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
- Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona-Volcanoes & waterfall tour in a small group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona 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 Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Kailua-Kona?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Kailua-Kona, 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 Kailua-Kona?
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 Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Kailua-Kona. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in July than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Merida or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
Both Kailua-Kona and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Merida or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Merida is cooler than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun.
Kailua-Kona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Merida or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Merida
| Merida | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.