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

Should you visit Merida or Moab?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Moab, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Moab

Moab is a scenic, adventurous, and active town. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Merida and Moab: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Moab?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Moab, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Moab is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Moab is more touristy than Merida and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Moab?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is great for its historical sights. However, Moab is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Moab offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

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

Merida is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Merida. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Merida or Moab Better for Nightlife?

Merida is great for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Merida for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Merida or Moab Better for its Old Town?

Merida is great for its historic old town. However, Moab does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Moab does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Moab Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Moab draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Moab?

Merida is great for shopping. Also, Moab is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Merida. 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.

Moab offers some nice shopping areas. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Is Merida or Moab More Beautiful?

Moab is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Moab Better for Families?

Moab 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 Moab. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

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 Moab Better for Couples?

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

Moab makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular 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 Moab Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Moab are both very good 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 Moab. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Merida or Moab a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its walkability. However, Moab is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Moab is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Moab or Merida?

How long in Merida or Moab?

In either Merida or Moab, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Moab than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-5 days is enough time in Moab.

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the destination of Moab. 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 Moab?

Merida is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Moab is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Moab?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Merida. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moab. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Moab?

The historical city of Merida offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping when visiting the active destination of Moab. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Moab?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Moab, 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.