Which place is cheaper, Merida or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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.
-
Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay PricesMerida Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $116Merida $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $116, while the average daily cost in Merida is $97. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $52Merida $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $104Merida $80
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $21Merida $16
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 Special Art Icons Tour: $185
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $262
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $160
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $111
- Bodega Garzon Wine Experience with Private Transfer: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Mérida to Cancun with Flexible Sightseeing: $258
- Merida Rejon Airport(MID)to Tulum hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $206
- Private Transfer Mérida to Tulum with Flexible Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $148
- Uxmal and Hacienda Mucuyché transfer included: $137
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $128
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $128
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $120
- transfer from/to airport progress sisal telchac celestun: $109
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $48
- Airport Transfer to Merida Hotels Private: $30
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
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
-
Food Meals for one dayPunta del Este $51Merida $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida Best Rated: $44
- Yucatán Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Merida Food Tour: Local Markets, Street Food & Yucatecan Cuisine: $63
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $70
- Uxmal, two Amazing Cenotes & Local Food Tour from Mérida: $82
- Empanadas, Salsas and Spirits in Hands-On Mexican Cooking Night: $82
- Mérida Food Tour: Markets and Street Flavors: $95
- Flavors of Yucatán Cooking class & market tour: $97
- Mexican & Yucatecan Salsas Cooking Class in Mérida, Yucatán: $98
- Vanilla Cooking Class and Tasting Experience: $104
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $108
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $135
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $10Merida $14
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Best private Have It Your Way Tour in Punta Del Este.: $290
- Candelaria Church and Punta del Este Old Town Private Tour: $122
- Discover Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $49
- From Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day City Tour: $62
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $165
- Garzon Winery and MACA Art Experience: $240
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $144
- Jewish History Punta del Este Old Town Private Walking Tour: $150
- Montevideo: City Tour, Punta del Este, & Colonia Trip: $129
- Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick-Up: $88
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)$18
-
Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.36
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $55
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $78
- Acanceh and Santa Bárbara Cenotes Adventure: $116
- Adventure 4 cenotes: $107
- Adventure in Yucatán Cenote X Cajum and Izamal: $49
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyché, Oxkintok & 2 Cenotes from Mérida: $140
- Amazing private Walking tour in Mérida: $75
- Bacalar Boat Ride Lagoon Adventure from Merida: $147
- Bacalar Seven Colors Lagoon & Cenote Azul Tour: $158
- Bar hopping tour in Merida: $80
- Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $98
- Bird Watching Tour near Merida-Half Day: $197
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.41Merida $14
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
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Merida, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este 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 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.