A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Vancouver for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Merida or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.

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 from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $44
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $88
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Merida and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Vancouver? 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.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Vancouver


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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $18
    Vancouver $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
  • Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $61
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yvr Airport to Whistler and Whistler to Yvr Airport transfers: $111
  • White Rock to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Nanaimo: $206
  • Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
  • City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $61
  • Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
  • Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $73
  • Vancouver to Victoria, Coach Bus Transfer: $74
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Hotel Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $83
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $87
  • Vancouver hotels to Canada Place Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Vancouver Cruise ship Transfer to Airport/City Hotel: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Merida $29
    Vancouver $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Yucatecan Sopa de Lima Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Private Nandayo Food Tour: $42
  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $63
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
  • Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
  • The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
  • Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
  • North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
  • Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
  • VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
  • Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
  • 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
  • Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
  • Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
  • Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $163

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $16
    Vancouver $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.12
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $20
  • 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:

  • Adventure in Coloradas and Ría Lagartos and Cancunito: $120
  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $181
  • 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
  • 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $67
  • Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $135
  • Amazing Full-Day Tour to Celestun with Boat Ride - from Mérida: $122
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $139
  • Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $96
  • Boat tour to Celestun from Merida: $134

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
  • Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
  • $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
  • 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
  • 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
  • 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,411
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
  • 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
  • 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,411
  • 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $709
  • 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $836

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $16
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
  • Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
  • Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
  • Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
  • Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Merida or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Vancouver 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Merida or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Merida is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°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 Vancouver. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Vancouver. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Vancouver 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Merida or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. Merida is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Vancouver 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Merida or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Merida is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Vancouver 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Merida

Merida Vancouver
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)