Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Merida Prices
Mexico PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $104Lima $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $104, while the average daily cost in Lima is $97. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $42Lima $53
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $84Lima $106
Compare Hotels in Merida and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $17Lima $6.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Merida Airport (MID): $20
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- 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
- From Merida Private transfer to Chichen-Izamal-Cenote: $74
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $122
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $131
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $131
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $147
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $152
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.88
-
Taxi Ride$5.88
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM): $34
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Transfer from the Airport to hotels in Lima: $30
- Transfer by official taxi from Jorge Chávez Lima Airport: $35
- Transfer by car from the airport to the hotel: $60
- Tour Night Magic Water Park and Ravine with Transfer: $49
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- Private taxi transfer: Lima Jorge Chávez Airport – Safe: $14
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $196
- Private Transfer from Pisco Cruise Port to Lima City Hotels: $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $48Lima $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Merida Food Tour: Local Markets, Street Food & Yucatecan Cuisine: $65
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Hands On night Mexican Cooking with Masa: $82
- Merida : Between Markets and Flavors Food Tour: $86
- 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
- Vanilla Cooking Class and Tasting Experience: $112
- 7-Course Yucatecan Dinner Experience: $161
- Wonders of the Mayab: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote & Cooking Class: $237
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.71
-
Ice cream$3.82
-
Coffee$3.23
-
Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food tours on the forbidden side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Dinner at the Cala Restaurant in Lima: $63
- Lima Market Food Tour: $65
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $15Lima $9.38
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
- Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $18
- Historical, Cultural, and Artistic Tour of Downtown Merida: $18
- Vanilla Experience Flavor History Gallery and Garden: $21
- Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
- Mérida Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Merida Highlights Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $37
- Private Merida Tour on a Budget - Best Rated: $40
- Mayan Flavors Merida Markets Tour: $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: $59
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
-
Movie Tickets$2.50
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $134
- 3 Day Tour From Paracas, Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3 Days Tour of Paracas Huacachina and Nazca: $275
- 3 Hour Private Electric Scooter Tour of Lima: $75
- 3 Hours Walking Tour of Lima Old Town and Catacumbs: $59
- 3-Day Tour Discover Paracas and Huacachina from Lima: $260
- 8-Hour Private Tour Lima Viceroyalty and Gold Museum with Lunch: $120
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Adventure at the Airport of Peru: $10
- All Inclusive Miraflores & Historic Center Gastronomic Tour: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $15Lima $6.10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.91
-
Beer$4.41
-
Cocktail$3.53
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima: $139
When comparing the travel costs between Merida and Lima, we can see that Merida is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Merida is in North America and Lima is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Lima, 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 Lima?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Lima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Lima. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In the summer, Merida is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°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 Lima. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Merida or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Lima. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Lima. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Merida or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
Merida is cooler than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Lima. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Merida or Lima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Lima. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 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 Lima. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Merida
| Merida | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.