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

Should you visit Merida or Miami?

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

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

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach 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 shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Miami travel costs.

Merida and Miami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Miami?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Miami than Merida. While Merida is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Miami is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Miami is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Also, Miami is famous for South Beach. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Merida different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Merida specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami 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, Miami is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

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

Miami is a must-see party destination. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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 Miami Better for Music?

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

Miami has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Miami Better for Resorts?

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

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Miami Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Miami are among the best in the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Merida is well known for its historic old town. However, Miami does not have a historic 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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Miami?

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

Many people travel to Miami specifically to go shopping. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 Miami Better for Families?

Miami 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 Miami. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami Better for Couples?

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

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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 Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Merida or Miami Better for Students?

Miami is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Merida and Miami.

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 Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Merida or Miami a more walkable city?

Merida and Miami are excellent 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.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Merida?

How long in Merida or Miami?

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

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

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

One day in Merida or Miami?

In Merida, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Miami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Miami 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 Miami?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Miami. 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 Miami?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This beach 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Miami?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

Both Miami and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Merida or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Miami. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year.

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

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

Miami 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 Miami. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Miami in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Miami. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

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

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

Should I visit Merida or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Miami and Merida