A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Asheville?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Asheville, 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.

Merida

Merida is a historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Asheville travel costs.

Merida and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Asheville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and big city activities, while Asheville is known for its music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Merida is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Merida different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Asheville and Merida. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Asheville?

Merida is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Asheville.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Asheville makes for a great culinary experience. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Asheville have great vibes after the sun sets.

Merida has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

The people in Asheville know how to have a good time. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Merida is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Asheville has diverse options. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Merida is well known for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Asheville?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Merida and Asheville.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Merida or Asheville More Beautiful?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Families?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Asheville. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Couples?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Asheville are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit as a student. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Merida is not popular with students.

Is Merida or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Merida or Asheville a more walkable city?

Merida is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Merida is a very walkable city. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Merida?

How long in Merida or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Asheville than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Merida. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Merida. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Asheville if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Merida.

One day in Merida or Asheville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Asheville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Asheville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Asheville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Asheville?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the progressive destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Asheville, we can see that Asheville is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville 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 Merida Expensive? and Is Asheville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Asheville?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Asheville, 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 Merida or Asheville?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Asheville in the Summer?

Both Asheville and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Asheville fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 268 hours of full sun.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Asheville. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Asheville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Asheville. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Merida is a little warmer than Asheville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Asheville. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Asheville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Asheville. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Asheville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Asheville averages at about 44°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Asheville. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asheville receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Asheville. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Asheville in the Spring?

Both Asheville and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year.

In April, Merida is generally a little warmer than Asheville. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Asheville fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Asheville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Asheville during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Asheville receives 266 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Asheville. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Asheville receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Asheville and Merida