Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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 Thomas $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $218. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Merida and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Saint Thomas? 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 Thomas $37
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
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven : $110
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours - Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton : $180
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $28
- St Thomas to St Thomas Airport Private Departure Transfer: $109
- St Thomas Airport to St Thomas Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Airport Transfer in St. Thomas from Cyril E. King Airport: $135
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $169
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer Bluebeard’s / Yacht Haven: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 Thomas $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $109
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $110
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour : $111
- St. John Dinner Sail to Lovango with Open Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres - Westin: $119
- Cruz Bay - PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to Lovango w/ Open Bar and Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $159
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $169
- Waterfront Harbor Dinner Sail from Frenchman's Reef: $209
- St Thomas Legends Luxury Dinner Sail from the Ritz Carlton: $209
- Swim w/Turtles at St. John, Pizza Pi & Snorkel a shipwreck. : $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Saint Thomas $60
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:
- From Mérida Tour Plus: Chichen Itza Ruins and Cenote Ik-kil: $195
- Romantic tour in Izamal: $159
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $179
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $125
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $110
- 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $95
- Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $138
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $95
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $208
- Cenotes Santa Barbara, Eknakan Church & Acanceh Ruins Tour: $110
- Chichen Itza Adventure! Cenote and Izamal from Merida: $104
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $159
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $179
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Admission Ticket to Coral World Ocean Park & Coki Beach: $35
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience: $79
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $10
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise aboard Breakaway Charters at Sapphire: $115
- Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort: $115
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour : $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Saint Thomas $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Thomas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Thomas:
- Wine Tasting with Fine Art Downtown Experience: $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Saint Thomas?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint Thomas. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Merida or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Thomas. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Merida
| Merida | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.