Is Merida expensive to visit?
While Merida is a popular place for travelers, it is also somewhat affordable and less expensive to visit. The average daily cost is $97, which is one of the many reasons for its popularity with tourists. When compared to other destinations in North America, which is known to be an expensive region, many visitors find it to be a very affordable destination. It's in the top 10% of places in North America for its affordability, and our cost analysis found it to be comparable to Mazatlan and Kamloops.

Diving in a Cenote in Merida, Mexico
How expensive is Merida?
Travelers spend an average of $97 per day when visiting Merida (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Merida here.
How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Merida?
Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Merida costs around $292 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $584.
How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Merida?
Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Merida will cost around $682 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $1,363.
Is it expensive to backpack in Merida?
With more than 20 hostels in the area, Merida is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $13 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Merida here.) It's also common to see a wide range in prices, as the cheapest hostels here cost $9, but the most expensive can be more than $25 per night.
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Merida.
- $9 for a dorm bed at Che Nomadas Merida
- $15 for a dorm bed at Hostik
- $16 for a dorm bed at Hostal Boutique Casa Garza
Are hotels expensive in Merida?
When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Merida, we find them to be very economical in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $59. The area boasts about 4 five-star hotels with an average rate of $99 per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $53 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $27 per night.
Hotels by star rating in Merida
Rating | Number of Hotels | Average Hotel Price |
---|---|---|
5 stars | 4 | $99 |
4 stars | 31 | $125 |
3 stars | 76 | $53 |
2 stars | 23 | $27 |
1 star | 3 | $26 |
No rating | 9 | $41 |
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Merida?
In Merida, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $14 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $23.
- Uxmal and Cenotes Tour from Mérida. Typical Lunch Included: $78
- Merida's Ultimate Experience Shopping TOUR: $117
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $104
- Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
- Private Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Mayan Sanctuary: $217
- Uxmal Archeological Site Guided Walking Tour with Entry Fee: $28
- Santa Barbara Cenotes 1 Day Tour : $167
- Private Tour: Sotuta de Peon Hacieda Day Trip: $290
Is food expensive in Merida?
In Merida, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $45 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $45.
- Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154
- Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated : $44
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
Is transportation expensive in Merida?
Exploring local transportation in Merida shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $16 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $19. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.
More for Merida
If you're planning a trip to Merida, Mexico, check out these other informative travel guides.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.