Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Valdivia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Merida and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $18Valdivia $8.08
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 Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $29Valdivia $21
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $16Valdivia $13
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 Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Valdivia $4.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Valdivia, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Valdivia is in South 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Valdivia?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Valdivia is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Merida or Valdivia in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Valdivia. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Merida is a little warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Valdiviain January. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Merida or Valdivia in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Valdivia. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Merida is generally much warmer than Valdiviain April. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain April. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Valdiviain April. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Merida or Valdivia in the Winter?
Both Valdivia 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.
Merida is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Valdiviain July. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMerida 20°C (68°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Merida or Valdivia in the Spring?
Both Valdivia 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.
In the spring, Merida is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain October. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Valdiviain October. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Merida
| Merida | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.