Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Merida or Las Vegas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Las Vegas, 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 colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a fun-filled, entertaining, and sexy entertainment capital. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music. See Las Vegas travel costs.
Merida and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Merida
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular with couples
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Good for couples and romance
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
Is there more to do in Merida or Las Vegas?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Las Vegas than Merida. While Merida is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Las Vegas is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Merida is more popular for its historical sights. Las Vegas is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. Also, Las Vegas is famous for The Strip. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.
How is Merida different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Merida
Las Vegas
You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Las Vegas and Merida.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Las Vegas. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Merida is not a theatre destination.
Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Las Vegas. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Merida is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Merida or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Las Vegas is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. 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).
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Las Vegas is a must-see party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Music?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its music scene. However, Merida is not a live music destination.
Las Vegas has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
Merida is not a live music destination.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Merida is not a resort destination.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for its Old Town?
Merida
Las Vegas
Merida is notable for its historic old town. However, Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
There are many historical things to see 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.
Las Vegas does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Las Vegas?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.
Many people travel to Las Vegas specifically to go shopping. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Families?
Merida
Las Vegas
Merida is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.
Merida is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Merida
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.
Las Vegas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
Merida is a nice destination for couples. 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.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Merida
Las Vegas
Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to 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.
Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.
Is Merida or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Merida
Las Vegas
Merida is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.
Merida has a few 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 mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Merida or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Merida
Las Vegas
Merida is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.
Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Merida?
How long in Merida or Las Vegas?
Both Merida and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Merida than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Merida, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Merida. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Las Vegas 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.
-
How many days in Merida or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayMerida 1-2Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Merida or Las Vegas?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Merida or Las Vegas?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Merida or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Las Vegas. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Las Vegas?
Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Las Vegas is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This entertainment capital offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
-
Merida Prices
Mexico PricesLas Vegas Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $104Las Vegas $369
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $104, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $369. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $42Las Vegas $158
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $84Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Merida and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Las Vegas? 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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $17Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
- Airport Transfer to Merida Hotels Private: $32
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Merida Airport (MID): $39
- Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $49
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $123
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $131
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $131
- Transfer to and from Valladolid Izamal Chichen Itza Airport: $146
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $146
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $152
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $211
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
24 Hr Bus Pass$15
-
24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
-
Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Transfer from Airport to Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel: $50
- Tailored Travel Services Hotels, Tours, and Transfers: $188
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $52
- Round Trip Private Transfer Las Vegas Airport to Las Vegas by suv: $226
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to LAS Airport by Luxury SUV or Limo: $99
- Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Airport LAS by Luxury SUV or Van: $162
- Private Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas By Business Car: $128
- Private Transfer to Las Vegas Airport (LAS): $26
- Private Transfer in Las Vegas with Personal Driver: $139
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Port to Clark Airport (CRK): $98
- Private Transfer from Subic Bay Cruise Port to Manila City Hotels: $132
- Private Transfer from Salomague Port to Laoag Airport (LAO): $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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 $48Las Vegas $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Merida Food Tour: Local Markets, Street Food & Yucatecan Cuisine: $64
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Merida : Between Markets and Flavors Food Tour: $85
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $87
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $95
- Private Mérida Cooking Class in a Local Yucatecan Home: $109
- 7-Course Yucatecan Dinner Experience: $160
- Mérida: Yucatecan Cooking Class: $161
- Mérida: Yucatecan Cooking Class: $175
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
Coffee$5.00
-
Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
-
Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
-
Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- "Classic Country" show & dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson: $49
- "Back to the Hits" show & dinner at Firelight Barn: $49
- Cowboy Christmas Show & Dinner at Firelight Barn in Henderson NV: $49
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $51
- Interactive Murder Mystery Show and Dinner at Firelight Barn: $58
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience and Tasting: $65
- Manila Food Tour Experience with Local Guide: $70
- Makati Street Food tour Experience: $73
- 2 Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
- Chocolate Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2-Hour Italian Pasta Cooking Class: $75
- Chocolate Truffle Making Cooking Class in Las Vegas: $75
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $15Las Vegas $78
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$0.11
-
Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$19
-
Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.72
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Merida with 2 Routes: $10
- Historical, Cultural, and Artistic Tour of Downtown Merida: $18
- Vanilla Experience Flavor History Gallery and Garden: $20
- Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
- Mérida Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Private Merida Tour on a Budget - Best Rated: $40
- Mayan Flavors Merida Markets Tour: $44
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $44
- Experience at Telchac Beach and its beach club: $50
- Private Tour Guide in Merida, 100% customisable: $54
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $58
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour and ATV Adventure from Merida: $62
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
-
Wedding Chapel$139
-
Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
-
Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
-
Monorail Ride$5.00
-
NY NY Rollercoaster$14
-
Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- 1 Euro High-Speed GoKart Race Ticket With Arcade credit Las Vegas: $30
- 1-Day Grand Canyon Antelope Horseshoe :Stargazing Daily tour: $369
- 1-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Stargazing & Sunrise: $399
- 2 Hour History Walking Tour of the Strip with Local Historian: $139
- 2 Hour Mob History Tour in Talking GoCar with Mob Museum Entry: $116
- 2-Hour Exotic Car Driving Experience in Las Vegas: $299
- 2-Hour Fremont Walking Tour with Photos and Champagne: $119
- 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Downtown Las Vegas: $99
- 2-Hour Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Las Vegas: $161
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Las Vegas by Night on a Sidecar: $193
- 2-Hour Vegas Strip Walking Tour with Photos,Champagne & Vintage Vegas Goody Bags: $149
- 2-Hours Hiking Night Tour to Strip Views in Las Vegas: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $15Las Vegas $55
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Bars Unknown Fremont St Bar Crawl with a Local: $31
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $35
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl (party bus add-on option): $36
- Bars Unknown: Fremont Street Bar Crawl & History: $39
- Bars Unknown: The Original Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $39
- The Burlesque Parody of the Classic Film Ticket: $40
- Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino: $44
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $49
- Bars Unknown: The Original Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
- Las Vegas Bar Crawl by Party Bus with Free Drinks: $49
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $53
- Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Mixed Drinks: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Las Vegas?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Las Vegas, 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.
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.