Which place is cheaper, Merida or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sao Paulo or Merida?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Merida?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure 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 daySao Paulo $52Merida $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, 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 Sao Paulo and Merida in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Merida $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Merida $88
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Merida
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Merida $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- airport transfer: $113
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-RoundTrip Transfer: $76
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $61
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in São Paulo HTL-APT(GRU): $61
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $137
- Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $64
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Sao Paulo Airport Transfers: Sao Paulo to Guarulhos Airport GRU in Business Car: $122
- Sao Paulo Airport GRU to Beach Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
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 Sao Paulo or Merida?
Prices for flights to both Merida and Sao Paulo 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 daySao Paulo $15Merida $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
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.Sao Paulo $4.05Merida $16
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $150
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
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 daySao Paulo $3.52Merida $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sao Paulo and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Merida?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Merida?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Merida in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Merida. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 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 JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Merida. Additionally, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Merida. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 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 OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Winter?
Both Merida and Sao Paulo 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, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meridain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 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 JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Merida 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Spring?
Both Merida and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.
Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.
Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Merida 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Merida and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Merida | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.