A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Playa del Carmen vs. Merida for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Merida?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Merida? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Merida?

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Merida or Playa del Carmen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $77, while the average daily cost in Merida is $83. 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 Playa del Carmen and Merida in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa del Carmen $37
    Merida $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa del Carmen $74
    Merida $84
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Merida

Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen


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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa del Carmen $23
    Merida $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:

  • Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $144
  • Transfers Mexico (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum): $55
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport: $33
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport: $40
  • Transfer in Private Car from-to Xcaret to Cancun Airport (CUN): $32
  • Transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen - ROUND TRIP: $143
  • Transfer Airport - Hotel - Airport (From Paradisus Esmeralda to Playacar): $56
  • Transfer Airport - Hotel - Airport (From Ocidental Xcaret to Barcelo Palace): $66
  • Super Deal: Cancun Airport-Hotel-Cancun Airport Private Round Trip Transfer: $105
  • Shuttle Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $13
  • Roundtrip private AC Airport Transfer to Riviera Maya: $70
  • Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire: $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • BEST PRICE Merida City one-way transfer Hotel Airport.: $50
  • BEST PRICE Merida City round-trip transfer. Hotel Airport.: $100
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $36
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $46
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $46
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Merida Airport to Hotels: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotels to Merida Airport: $38
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Merida Airport to Hotels: $12
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Merida Airport: $12
  • Transfer: MERIDA - CHIQUILA (HOLBOX ISLAND) or CHIQUILA (HOLBOX ISLAND) - MERIDA: $235

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Merida?

Prices for flights to both Merida and Playa del Carmen 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
    Playa del Carmen $22
    Merida $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.

  • Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $54
  • Local Walking Food Tour: $54
  • Walking Food Tour in Downtown Playa del Carmen: $55
  • Playa del Carmen Food Tour: $65
  • Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour: $69
  • Playa del Carmen Food Tour: $71
  • Playa del Carmen Authentic Mexican cooking class and Market Tour: $91
  • Hands-on ● Mexican Cooking Class: $92
  • Cooking Class & Local Markets Tour: $99
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $103
  • Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking class and Local Markets Tour: $105
  • Traditional Mexican Food Cooking Lesson: $109

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: $27
  • Merida Market Tour and Cooking Class: $69
  • Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $70
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $77
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $95
  • Merida Cooking, Pottery, Classes Tour~Also An Accessible Tour: $99
  • Wonders of the Mayab: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote & Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Playa del Carmen $16
    Merida $15

Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (4x1) Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del carmen in a full day tour: $53
  • 15-Day Trip in Mexico: South 2 North Adventures: $1,553
  • 2 Cenotes Tour From Playa Del Carmen: $71
  • 2 Cenotes Xpress Tour From Playa Del Carmen: $58
  • 3 Cenotes + 1 Lagoon Extraordinary Tour from Playa del carmen: $83
  • 3 Cenotes + 1 Lagoon Fantastic Tour fom Playa del Carmen: $88
  • 3 Cenotes + 1 Lagoon Tour Full Day from Playa del Carmen: $90
  • 3 days diving tour: $352
  • 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves: $109
  • 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $32
  • 3x1 (Cenotes + Lagoon) Tour Full Day from Playa del Carmen: $88
  • 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $52

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
    $0.11
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $19
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $5.70

Tours and Activities in Merida

For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Turibus Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $6.00
  • Chichen Itza, The greatness of the Mayas: Creation legends Tour: $6.99
  • TuriCervecero Merida - Tasting Tour and Craft Beer Experience: $21
  • Guided Walking Tour in Merida: $25
  • Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
  • Panoramic Sightseeing Merida City Tour: $36
  • Merida Sightseeing Tour: $37
  • Merida Cantinas Walking Tour with Beer and Snacks: $49
  • Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $51
  • Tour Cenotes Santa Bárbara: $62
  • Local market Tour - Culinary Experience: $62
  • Small Group Cenotes Adventure and Family Lunch Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa del Carmen $20
    Merida $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:

  • Playa Del Carmen Private Mexican Wine Tasting: $152

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Merida?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Merida in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Merida.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The temperature in Playa del Carmen is usually 28°C (82°F) in July, and Merida stays around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Merida in the Autumn?

Both Merida and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October are around 26°C (79°F), and Merida is about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Merida. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Merida during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Merida in the Winter?

Both Merida and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Merida. Temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Merida stays around 20°C (68°F).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F) 
    Merida 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Merida in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Merida.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Merida in the spring. The temperature in Playa del Carmen is usually 27°C (81°F) in April, and Merida stays around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Merida during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Merida. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F) 
    Merida 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Merida and Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Merida
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 24°C (75°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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Playa del Carmen vs. Merida Travel Comparison

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