Which place is cheaper, Merida or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro or Merida?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 10-Day Tours in Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil, 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 dayRio de Janeiro $105Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, 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 Rio de Janeiro and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $66Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $132Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.97Merida $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $56
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Transfer service from/to Rio de Janeiro-Embarkation for Ilha Grande: $87
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $99
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $26
- Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $78
- Transfer in Rio: $35
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (GIG): $13
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
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
- Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Rio de Janeiro or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $20Merida $29
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $72
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Rio: Ginga Tropical Folkloric Show & Optional Dinner: $142
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.Rio de Janeiro $22Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $100
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $175
- 25 - Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande: $80
- 26 - Guided Tour to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer: $120
- 27 -Guided Tour to Christ the Redeemer and City in Rio de Janeiro: $75
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:
- Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $8.00
- Mérida Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
- Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
- Merida Private Tour on a Budget : $29
- Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
- Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $65
- Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum: $67
- Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
- Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
- Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Merida $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $28
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Merida, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Merida?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Merida. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Meridain July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Meridain October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Meridain January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Merida. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.
Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Meridain April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.