Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Merida or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Merida Prices
Mexico PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $97Punta Arenas $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $97, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $76. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $40Punta Arenas $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $80Punta Arenas $62
Compare Hotels in Merida and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $16Punta Arenas $1.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Mérida to Cancun with Flexible Sightseeing: $258
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $206
- Private Transfer Mérida to Tulum with Flexible Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $148
- Uxmal and Hacienda Mucuyché transfer included: $137
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $128
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $128
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $120
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $109
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $48
- Airport Transfer to Merida Hotels Private: $30
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Transfer Private Airport - Punta Arenas Pier: $30
- Punta Arenas Airport Transfer: $29
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $73
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Hotels: $55
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $55
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $45Punta Arenas $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida Best Rated: $44
- Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Merida Food Tour: Local Markets, Street Food & Yucatecan Cuisine: $63
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $82
- Empanadas, Salsas and Spirits in Hands-On Mexican Cooking Night: $82
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Flavors of Yucatán Cooking class & market tour: $97
- Mexican & Yucatecan Salsas Cooking Class in Mérida, Yucatán: $98
- Vanilla Cooking Class and Tasting Experience: $104
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $108
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $135
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.01
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Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Arenas
For Punta Arenas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chilean Cooking Classes + Wine at a Local’s Home: $113
- Punta Arenas Chilean Typical Cooking Class, Chilean Wine: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $14Punta Arenas $6.23
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$0.11
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$18
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.36
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $55
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $78
- Acanceh and Santa Bárbara Cenotes Adventure: $116
- Adventure 4 cenotes: $107
- Adventure in Yucatán Cenote X Cajum and Izamal: $49
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyché, Oxkintok & 2 Cenotes from Mérida: $140
- Amazing private Walking tour in Mérida: $75
- Bacalar Boat Ride Lagoon Adventure from Merida: $147
- Bacalar Seven Colors Lagoon & Cenote Azul Tour: $158
- Bar hopping tour in Merida: $80
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $98
- Bird Watching Tour near Merida-Half Day: $197
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- 5-Day Patagonia Fjords Cruise: Punta Arenas to Ushuaia: $1,980
- Adventure to the End of the World: King Penguins and Tierra del Fuego in 1 Day: $210
- Authentic Local Tour, Culture and Patagonian Viewpoints: $88
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- For Cruises: Magdalena Island (Penguins) for Private Groups: $4,200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full Day Tour to Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas: $152
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $160
- Full-Day King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour from Punta Arenas: $140
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $163
- Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $14Punta Arenas $4.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $38
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta Arenas
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta Arenas:
- Chilean Wine Tasting and Regional Charcuterie in Underground Cellar: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Punta Arenas, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Punta Arenas is in South America, 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Punta Arenas?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta Arenas is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Merida or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Punta Arenas. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Merida is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta Arenas this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMerida 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Merida or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Merida is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Merida or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin July. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin July. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMerida 20°C (68°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Merida or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
Merida is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenasin October. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Merida
| Merida | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.