Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Saint John?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Saint John, 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 Saint John?
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.
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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 $88Saint John $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Merida and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Saint John? 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 $18Saint John $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 Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 $29Saint John $56
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Saint John $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$0.12
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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 Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Saint John $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 Saint John 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Merida or Saint John?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Saint John in the Summer?
Both Saint John and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than Saint John. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint John averages at about 29°C (83°F).
Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint John. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint John in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Saint John. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Saint John receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Saint John. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint John in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Saint John. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Saint John in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Saint John fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Merida usually gets less rain in January than Saint John. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint John in the Spring?
Both Saint John and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than Saint John. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint John averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Saint John. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Merida
| Merida | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.