Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Tamarindo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo?
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.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Tamarindo $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $121. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Tamarindo $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Merida and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Tamarindo $69
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 Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Transfers Riu Palace or Guanacaste from Airports Round trip: $158
- Transfer from Westin Conchal Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $140
- Transfer from JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
- Transfer To/From Liberia Airport To/ From JW Marriott Guanacaste: $195
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Reserva Conchal: $143
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood Costa Rica: $92
- Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons Papagayo: $98
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Hacienda Pinilla Guanacaste: $175
- Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $120
- Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $307
- Shuttle Transfer From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Beach - Costa Rica: $145
- Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel: $181
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $29Tamarindo $32
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 Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
- Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Tamarindo $17
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 Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- Ecologic farming Sloth tour Hiking & Chocolate -Coffee tour: $260
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure Combo Tour: $220
- Premium Tour: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Waterfall Hiking: $170
- Premium Tour:Sloths and Río Celeste y Cortez Waterfalls (Tenorio Volcano Park): $220
- Private ATV or Buggy Tour from Riu Hotels: $85
- Sloth Farm Watching Tour & Amazimg Waterfall: $185
- Wildlife Tour at Palo Verde National Park: $199
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $80
- 2-Hour Guided Tour by ATV near Playa Conchal: $130
- 3 Hour ATV Secluded Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal & Grande: $125
- 3-in-1 Rincon de la Vieja National Park Nature Day Tour: $300
- 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Tamarindo $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Merida or Tamarindo?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Tamarindo. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Tamarindo. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Winter?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo year-round.
In the winter, Merida is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.
Merida usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 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 Tamarindo. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Merida
| Merida | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.