Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Ponce, 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Merida and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Ponce? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Ponce $10
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
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Food Meals for one dayMerida $29Ponce $35
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.12
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$20
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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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Ponce?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Ponce. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Merida or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Ponce. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the winter, Merida is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Merida or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Ponce. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce 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 Ponce during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 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 Ponce. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Merida
| Merida | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.