A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Fort Lauderdale for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Fort Lauderdale, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Merida and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Merida. While Merida is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Merida different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Merida is a great destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable 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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

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

Merida is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Merida or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Merida and Fort Lauderdale are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Merida?

How long in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Merida and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-7 days is enough time in Fort Lauderdale.

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

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

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

The historical destination of Merida offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Fort Lauderdale?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 316 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

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

In October, Merida is generally cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 275 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Fort Lauderdale. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Merida is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fort Lauderdale receives 243 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In the spring, Merida is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Fort Lauderdale during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Fort Lauderdale receives 300 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Merida