A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Savannah for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Savannah?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Savannah, 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.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Savannah?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Savannah. Merida is bigger than Savannah, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Savannah is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Merida is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Merida different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Savannah and Merida. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Savannah?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Savannah and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Savannah. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Savannah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Savannah.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Savannah makes for a great culinary experience. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Merida offers plenty to do in the evening. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

Savannah has a beach worth visiting. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

Merida and Savannah both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Savannah is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Savannah?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Merida and Savannah.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Savannah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Families?

Merida and Savannah are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Savannah. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Couples?

Savannah is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Students?

Savannah is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Merida is not popular with students.

Is Merida or Savannah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Merida or Savannah a more walkable city?

Merida and Savannah are very good when it comes to walkability.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Savannah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Merida?

How long in Merida or Savannah?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Savannah. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Savannah than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 1-3 days is enough time in Savannah.

Families should spend more time in Savannah than Merida. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Savannah, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Savannah than Merida. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Savannah that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Savannah if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Merida.

One day in Merida or Savannah?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Savannah. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Savannah?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Savannah is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Savannah?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Savannah. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Savannah?

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Savannah. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Savannah, we can see that Savannah is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Savannah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Savannah 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 Savannah Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Savannah?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Savannah, 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 Savannah?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Savannah in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Savannah. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Savannah for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Savannah. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Savannah averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Savannah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Savannah. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Savannah. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Savannah in the Autumn?

Both Savannah and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Savannah because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Savannah. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Savannah fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Savannah. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Savannah during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Savannah. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Savannah in the Winter?

Both Savannah and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Savannah this time of year.

Merida is much warmer than Savannah in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Savannah fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Savannah. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Savannah receives 176 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Savannah. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Savannah in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Savannah. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Savannah for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Savannah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Savannah averages at about 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Savannah 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 Savannah during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Savannah receives 275 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 Savannah. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Savannah receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Savannah and Merida