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

Should you visit Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

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

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

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Merida and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Cody, Wyoming, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Cody, Wyoming is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill.

How is Merida different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.


Is the Food Better in Merida or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Many people head to Cody, Wyoming to see the old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.


Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Cody, Wyoming has hiking trails worth exploring. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Merida and Cody, Wyoming.

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.

Cody, Wyoming is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

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 Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida and Cody, Wyoming are both notable to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a nice destination for couples. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming 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 limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Merida or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Merida
Cody, Wyoming

Merida is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Merida?

How long in Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming 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.


  • How many days in Merida or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Merida. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Merida Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Merida $99
    Cody, Wyoming $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $191. 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 Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Merida and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Cody, Wyoming? 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.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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 and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $156
  • 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Merida $46
    Cody, Wyoming $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Cody, Wyoming $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.11
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $18
  • 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:

  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
  • 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $104
  • 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
  • Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128
  • Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $75
  • Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $165
  • Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise from Merida: $230

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $35
  • Rock Climbing Experience: $150
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody : $69
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily : $69
  • Private Guided Nature Hiking Experience in Cody Wyoming: $135
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s Extended Whitewater Adventure!: $89
  • Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Adventure 3:00PM Daily!: $59
  • Red Canyon River Trips Whitewater 7 Mile Adventure 1:00PM Daily : $59
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming : $89
  • Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure: $139
  • Rock Climbing Experience in Cody, Wyoming: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Cody, Wyoming $18


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


Which is Bigger, Merida or Cody, Wyoming?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Cody, Wyoming, 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.