A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Grande-Terre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Merida or Grande-Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Grande-Terre, 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 Grande-Terre?

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.

Grande-Terre

Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Grande-Terre or Merida?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Grande-Terre is $210. 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 Grande-Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Grande-Terre $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Grande-Terre $192
Compare Hotels in Merida and Grande-Terre

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Grande-Terre? 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 Grande-Terre


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 Grande-Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Grande-Terre $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $155
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
  • Private Transfer from Merida Airport(MID): $17
  • Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $134
  • Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $134
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer from/to Merida Airport: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:

  • Transfer Guadeloupe Airport to Cruise Port: $38
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Cruise Port to Airport (PTP) : $75
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Cruise Port : $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre to Pointe-à-Pitre Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Port to Pointe-à-Pitre: $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Le Gosier by SUV: $50
  • Arrival Private Transfer Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Pointe a Pitre by SUV: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Grande-Terre?

Prices for flights to both Grande-Terre 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
    Grande-Terre $96

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Grande-Terre $52
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:

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Merida with 2 Routes: $8.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Chichen Itza, the Greatness of the Mayas: $10
  • Uxmal Ruins Guided Tour with a Certified Guide: $16
  • Historical, Cultural, and Artistic Tour of Downtown Merida: $17
  • Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
  • Uxmal Archeological Site Guided Walking Tour with Entry Fee: $28
  • Mike&Duck Walking Tour Merida: $30
  • Mérida Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Yucatan Cuisine Tasting Tour Merida : $35
  • Private Merida Tour on a Budget - Best Rated : $37
  • Private Tour Guide in Merida, 100% customisable : $39
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Grande-Terre $14

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 Grande-Terre, we can see that Grande-Terre is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Grande-Terre is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Grande-Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Merida or Grande-Terre?

Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grande-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Grande-Terre in the Summer?

Both Grande-Terre and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Grande-Terre. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Grande-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Grande-Terre, 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 Grande-Terre. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grande-Terre receives 245 hours of full sun.

Grande-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Grande-Terre. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Grande-Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Grande-Terre 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Merida or Grande-Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Grande-Terre. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Merida is cooler than Grande-Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Grande-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Grande-Terre receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Grande-Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than Grande-Terre. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Grande-Terre receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Grande-Terre 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Merida or Grande-Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Grande-Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year.

In the winter, Merida is cooler than Grande-Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Grande-Terre averages at about 24°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Grande-Terre. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Grande-Terre receives 236 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Grande-Terre. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Grande-Terre receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Grande-Terre 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Merida or Grande-Terre in the Spring?

Both Grande-Terre and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Merida is generally cooler than Grande-Terre. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Grande-Terre fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Grande-Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Grande-Terre during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Grande-Terre receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Grande-Terre. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Grande-Terre receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Grande-Terre 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Grande-Terre and Merida

Merida Grande-Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)


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