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

Should you visit Merida or Los Angeles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Los Angeles, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a glamourous, diverse, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Los Angeles travel costs.

Merida and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Los Angeles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Los Angeles than Merida. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Merida attracts visitors for its historical sights. Los Angeles is more touristy than Merida and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Merida different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Los Angeles has many famous sights for visitors. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is an excellent place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Merida is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Merida is not a theatre destination.

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

Los Angeles is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Los Angeles is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Los Angeles is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is terrific for its music scene. However, Merida is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

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

Los Angeles is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Los Angeles has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Los Angeles are among the best in the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Los Angeles draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Los Angeles specifically to go shopping. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

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

Los Angeles has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date 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.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Los Angeles are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Merida or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a great destination for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Merida and Los Angeles.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Merida or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Merida is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Merida?

How long in Merida or Los Angeles?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Merida 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Merida or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

The historical city of Merida offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is around the same temperature as Los Angeles in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Merida is a little warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Los Angeles. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Los Angeles. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Los Angeles. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

Merida is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Merida