Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or San Juan, 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 San Juan?
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.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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 $88San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in San Juan 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 San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Merida and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Merida or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18San Juan $14
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- Roundtrip-Transfer from: SJU Airport,Cruises and Hotels in Puerto Rico LuxurySUV: $70
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla Y Luxury SUV, Select Zone: $77
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $29San Juan $36
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 San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16San Juan $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National RainForest: Tour with Nature walk: $75
- El Yunque Rainforest Guided Day Tour from San Juan: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 San Juan 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or San Juan?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Merida and San Juan, 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 San Juan?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or San Juan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and San Juan. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Merida is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives less rain than San Juan. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as San Juan. 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 San Juan throughout the year.
In October, Merida is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 San Juan. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Juan. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than San Juan. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Juan in the Winter?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than San Juan. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan 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 San Juan year-round.
In the spring, Merida is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In San Juan, 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 San Juan. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan 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 San Juan. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Merida
| Merida | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.