A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Cleveland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Cleveland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Cleveland, 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 colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Merida and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Cleveland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Cleveland. Merida is bigger than Cleveland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Merida is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Merida different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Cleveland and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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

Merida is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Merida. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland 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, Cleveland has diverse options. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Cleveland?

Merida is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for Families?

Merida and Cleveland are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Merida is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

Is Merida or Cleveland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Merida is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

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

Merida is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Merida or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Merida is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Merida?

How long in Merida or Cleveland?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cleveland. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Cleveland?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical 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.

Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Cleveland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Cleveland, we can see that Cleveland 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 Cleveland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cleveland 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 Cleveland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Cleveland?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Cleveland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cleveland averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Cleveland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Cleveland during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 307 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In October, Merida is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 165 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Cleveland. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Cleveland. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cleveland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cleveland can get quite cold in the winter. Merida is much warmer than Cleveland in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Cleveland during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Cleveland receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Cleveland. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Cleveland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Cleveland. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Merida is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Cleveland averages at about 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cleveland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Cleveland. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cleveland receives 213 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Cleveland. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Merida