Which place is cheaper, Big Pine Key or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Merida or Big Pine Key?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Big Pine Key, 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: Merida or Big Pine Key?
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.
Big Pine Key
If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Merida Prices
Mexico PricesBig Pine Key Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $99Big Pine Key $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Big Pine Key is $174. 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 Merida and Big Pine Key in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $40Big Pine Key $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $80Big Pine Key $128
Compare Hotels in Merida and Big Pine Key
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Big Pine Key? 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: Merida Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $17Big Pine Key $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from/to Merida Airport: $11
- Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $134
- Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $134
- Private Transfer from Merida Airport(MID): $17
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
- Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $155
- Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
- Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Big Pine Key?
Prices for flights to both Big Pine Key and Merida 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 dayMerida $46Big Pine Key $72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Nandayo Food Tour: $39
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated : $44
- Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
- Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154
- Wonders of the Mayab: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote & Cooking Class: $237
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $15Big Pine Key $42
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$0.11
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$18
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.43
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure in Coloradas and Ría Lagartos and Cancunito: $120
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $39
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $102
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $68
- 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $108
- 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $89
- Adventure 4 cenotes with Izamal: $119
- Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $118
- Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
- Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $14Big Pine Key $9.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Merida
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:
- Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Big Pine Key, we can see that Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Big Pine Key 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 Big Pine Key Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Big Pine Key?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Big Pine Key, 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 Big Pine Key?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Merida or Big Pine Key in the Summer?
Both Big Pine Key and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
It's quite sunny in Big Pine Key. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Big Pine Key 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Merida or Big Pine Key in the Autumn?
Both Big Pine Key and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Merida is cooler than Big Pine Key in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
In Big Pine Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 258 hours of full sun.
Big Pine Key gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Big Pine Key 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Merida or Big Pine Key in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Big Pine Key. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Merida is around the same temperature as Big Pine Key. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Big Pine Key averages at about 70°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Big Pine Key this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Big Pine Key during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Big Pine Key receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Big Pine Key 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Merida or Big Pine Key in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Big Pine Key. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city.
In April, Merida is generally cooler than Big Pine Key. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Big Pine Key fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Big Pine Key. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Big Pine Key receives 326 hours of full sun.
Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Big Pine Key. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Big Pine Key receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Big Pine Key 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Big Pine Key and Merida
| Merida | Big Pine Key | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
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.