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

Should you visit Montevideo or Merida?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Merida can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Merida?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Merida or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Merida is $88. 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 Montevideo and Merida in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Merida $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Merida

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Merida? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in Merida


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Merida $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $12
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Merida?

Prices for flights to both Merida and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Merida $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Merida $16

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950

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:

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Merida $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montevideo is in South America and Merida is in North 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Merida?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Merida, 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 Montevideo or Merida?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Merida in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Merida. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Montevideo is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

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

In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Merida in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Merida. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

In the autumn, Montevideo is cooler than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. In the autumn, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Meridain October. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Merida. Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Merida in the Winter?

Both Merida and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Montevideo is generally much colder than Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Merida. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Merida during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Meridain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Merida 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Merida in the Spring?

Both Merida and Montevideo during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

Montevideo is cooler than Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montevideo. In the spring, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meridain April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Merida and Montevideo

Montevideo Merida
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)