Which place is cheaper, Merida or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Merida, 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: Punta del Este or Merida?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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.
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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
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 Punta del Este or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Merida $29
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.Punta del Este $11Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $292
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Merida $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
When comparing the travel costs between Punta del Este and Merida, we can see that Punta del Este 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. Even though Punta del Este is in South America and Merida is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Merida?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Merida in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Merida. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°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 Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives more sunshine than Merida during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meridain July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Merida in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Merida. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Punta del Este is cooler than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este 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, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Meridain October. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Merida. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Merida during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Meridain January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Merida in the Spring?
Both Merida and Punta del Este during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
Punta del Este is cooler than Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°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 Punta del Este. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meridain April. Punta del Este 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.