Which place is cheaper, Merida or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Merida?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 daySalvador $44Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Merida $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
- Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $23
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $61
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $47
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $43
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $100
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $94
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $40
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 Salvador or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Merida $29
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
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.Salvador $5.67Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
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 daySalvador $5.38Merida $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Merida?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Salvador 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 Salvador or Merida in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Merida. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
Salvador is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the summer, Salvador often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Meridain July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 254 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Meridain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 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 JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Merida in the Autumn?
Both Merida and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Salvador is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Merida. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Merida during autumn. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Meridain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 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 OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Meridain January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Merida receives 209 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Meridain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 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 JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Merida in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Merida. Furthermore, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
Salvador is a little warmer than Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Merida during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Merida receives 260 hours of full sun in the spring.
Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives less rain than Meridain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 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 AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Salvador
| Salvador | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.