A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Key West for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Key West?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Key West, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

Merida and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Key West?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Key West are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Key West is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Key West.

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, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Key West have very good 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 Key West know how to have a good time. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Resorts?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Beaches?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Merida and Key West both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Key West?

Merida is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Merida or Key West More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Families?

Key West 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 Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

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 Key West Better for Couples?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Merida or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Key West is a great town to visit as a student. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few 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 quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Merida or Key West a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable city. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Key West or Merida?

How long in Merida or Key West?

Both Merida and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

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

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

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Key West?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Key West is a great place to explore. 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 Key West?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Key West?

Merida is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the bustling destination of Key West. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Key West?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Key West, 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 Key West?

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 Key West in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Key West. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Key West. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in July than Key West. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Key West. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Key West in the Winter?

Both Key West and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In the winter, Merida is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Key West. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Key West. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Key West in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Key West. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Merida is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Key West. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Key West and Merida