A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Phoenix for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Merida or Phoenix?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Phoenix, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Phoenix travel costs.

Merida and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Merida than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Merida, Merida has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Merida is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Merida different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Merida. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Phoenix? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Phoenix?

Merida is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Families?

Merida and Phoenix are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Phoenix. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Merida and Phoenix are both nice to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Merida or Phoenix Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Merida or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Merida is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Merida?

How long in Merida or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Phoenix than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

Families should spend more time in Merida than Phoenix. 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 Merida than Phoenix. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Merida that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Phoenix 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.

One day in Merida or Phoenix?

In Merida, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Phoenix. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Phoenix?

In Merida, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

Merida is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Phoenix. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the desert destination of Phoenix. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Phoenix. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Merida is much colder than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Merida is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.

Merida is cooler than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Merida