Which place is cheaper, San Pedro or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or San Pedro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or San Pedro, 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 Pedro?
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 Pedro
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88San Pedro $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in San Pedro is $135. 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 Pedro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44San Pedro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88San Pedro $132
Compare Hotels in Merida and San Pedro
Looking for a hotel in Merida or San Pedro? 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 $18San Pedro $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or San Pedro?
Prices for flights to both San Pedro 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 Pedro $40
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 Pedro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.
- Belizean Sunset and Cultural Dinner Cruise: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16San Pedro $33
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 San Pedro
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:
- The best of San Pedro Town walking tour: $202
- 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $54
- 5-Hour Guided Jetboat Tour to Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize.: $200
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour : $120
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from San Pedro Ambergris Caye: $250
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $75
- Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $93
- Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San pedro Ambergris caye: $250
- Double Activity Limo Tour: Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Adventure: $220
- Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour: $139
- Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $95
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16San Pedro $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and San Pedro, we can see that San Pedro 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 Pedro is in Central 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 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 Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro 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 Pedro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or San Pedro?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of Merida and San Pedro, 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 Pedro?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Pedro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or San Pedro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as San Pedro. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro throughout the year.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than San Pedro. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and San Pedro fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than San Pedro. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 226 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Pedro. Merida usually gets less rain in July than San Pedro. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)San Pedro 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Pedro in the Autumn?
Both San Pedro and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than San Pedro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and San Pedro fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than San Pedro during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than San Pedro. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)San Pedro 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Pedro in the Winter?
Both San Pedro and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Pedro year-round.
In the winter, Merida is cooler than San Pedro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and San Pedro averages at about 24°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Pedro. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Pedro receives 199 hours of full sun.
San Pedro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than San Pedro. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)San Pedro 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Merida or San Pedro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and San Pedro. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than San Pedro. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and San Pedro fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Pedro this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Pedro during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while San Pedro receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than San Pedro. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Pedro receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)San Pedro 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for San Pedro and Merida
| Merida | San Pedro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.