Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Merida or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Nassau, 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 Nassau?
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.
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Nassau $109
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Merida and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Nassau? 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 Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Nassau $32
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
-
Water Taxi$8.02
-
Taxi to Cable Beach$25
-
Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $140
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Private Transfer from Nassau International Airport to Nassau City : $150
- Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $124
- Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport Nassau, Bahamas: $150
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $143
- Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau 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 $29Nassau $53
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 Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Nassau $37
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
-
Jet Ski$50
-
4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
-
1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
- 2 Hours Sip and Snorkeling Experience in Bahamas: $150
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
- 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
- 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV Island Tour(Beach Break+Lunch+Free Pickup/Drop Off: $188
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Nassau $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
-
Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Nassau, we can see that Nassau 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 Nassau is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Nassau?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Nassau, 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 Nassau?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Nassau in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Nassau. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Nassau averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Nassau. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Nassau in the Autumn?
Both Nassau 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. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Nassau. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Merida or Nassau in the Winter?
Both Nassau and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
Merida is around the same temperature as Nassau in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Nassau fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nassau. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets less rain in January than Nassau. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Merida or Nassau in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Nassau. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than Nassau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Nassau averages at about 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau 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 Nassau during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 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 Nassau. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Merida
| Merida | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.