Which place is cheaper, Leon or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Merida or Leon?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Leon, 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 Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Leon $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Merida and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Leon? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Leon $1.51
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 $29Leon $12
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 Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Leon $5.81
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$0.12
-
Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$20
-
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 Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $226
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Leon $3.53
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Leon, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Leon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Leon 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 Leon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leon 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 Leon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Leon?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Leon, 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 Leon?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than Leon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Leon. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.
Leon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Leon. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or Leon in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Leon. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than Leon. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Leon during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Leon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or Leon in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Leon. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Leon in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Leon. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in January than Leon. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Merida or Leon in the Spring?
Both Leon and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than Leon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Leon averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Leon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Leon. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Merida
| Merida | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.