Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or La Fortuna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Merida and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Merida or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18La Fortuna $21
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 Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- VIP Private Transfer from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Tamarindo Beach: $299
- Transfer from Arenal or La Fortuna to Monteverde up to 5 passengers. (One Way): $295
- Transfer TO or FROM San Jose city to Arenal - Fortuna Area. Private: $210
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $250
- San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $226
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- Private transfer from SJO Airport to La Fortuna / Van A/C & WiF: $199
- Private Transfer to/from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna Area (Arenal Volcano): $213
- Private Transfer from la Fortuna to Puerto Viejo & Cahuita Limon: $299
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna: $225
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Nosara: $278
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Liberia Intl Airport LIR area: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 $29La Fortuna $27
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 La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16La Fortuna $44
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
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- La Fortuna's 3 Essentials Private Tour: $280
- Rio Celeste Tubing Experience: $54
- Sky Adventures Arenal : Zipline - Sky Tram & Sky Walk (guided): $260
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- 12 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over Waterfalls!: $101
- 2-Hour Chachagua Rainforest - Birdwatching Tour: $60
- 2-in-1 Arenal Combo Tour: River Safari Float and La Fortuna Waterfall: $170
- 2-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike: $170
- 6 Course Tropical Rainforest Foodie Adventure: $199
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $2,000
- 7 cable Zipline Canopy Tour Over La Fortuna Waterfall!: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16La Fortuna $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and La Fortuna is in Central America, 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 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or La Fortuna?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Merida and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as La Fortuna. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Merida usually gets less rain in July than La Fortuna. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In the winter, Merida is cooler than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and La Fortuna. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 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 La Fortuna. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Merida
| Merida | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.