A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Port-of-Spain for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Merida or Port-of-Spain?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?

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.

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Port-of-Spain or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Port-of-Spain is $174. 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 Port-of-Spain in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $44
    Port-of-Spain $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $88
    Port-of-Spain $160
Compare Hotels in Merida and Port-of-Spain

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Port-of-Spain? 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.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Port-of-Spain


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 Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $18
    Port-of-Spain $49

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 Port-of-Spain?

Prices for flights to both Port-of-Spain 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 day
    Merida $29
    Port-of-Spain $54

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $16
    Port-of-Spain $59
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $16
    Port-of-Spain $22


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


Which is Bigger, Merida or Port-of-Spain?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?

Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Port-of-Spain in the Summer?

Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain year-round.

Merida is cooler than Port-of-Spain in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 206 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Merida or Port-of-Spain in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Port-of-Spain. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Port-of-Spain. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Merida or Port-of-Spain in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Port-of-Spain. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.

In January, Merida is generally cooler than Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 241 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Merida or Port-of-Spain in the Spring?

Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Merida is cooler than Port-of-Spain in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 238 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Port-of-Spain. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Port-of-Spain and Merida

Merida Port-of-Spain
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)


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