Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Merida or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?
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.
Vieques Island
Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $88Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. 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 Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $44Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $88Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Merida and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Vieques Island? 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 $18Vieques Island $30
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 Vieques Island
Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115
- Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island 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 $29Vieques Island $54
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 $16Vieques Island $34
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 Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
- Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
- El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
- Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
- Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
- Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
- Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
- Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
- Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $16Vieques Island $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island 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 Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Vieques Island?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Vieques Island, 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 Vieques Island?
Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Merida or Vieques Island in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Vieques Island. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vieques Island. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Merida or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Vieques Island. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
Merida is cooler than Vieques Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Island. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Merida or Vieques Island in the Winter?
Both Vieques Island and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Merida is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Merida or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Vieques Island. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Merida
| Merida | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.