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

Should you visit Merida or Nashville?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Nashville, 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums. See Nashville travel costs.

Merida and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Merida or Nashville?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Nashville. Merida is bigger than Nashville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Nashville is more popular for its music and resorts. Merida is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Merida different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Merida
Nashville

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

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, Nashville makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Merida or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Nashville

Both Merida and Nashville have high quality 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 Nashville know how to have a good time. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Merida or Nashville Better for Music?

Merida
Nashville

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

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Merida is not a live music destination.


Is Merida or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Merida
Nashville

Nashville is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a few great resort options. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Nashville?

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.


Is Merida or Nashville Better for Families?

Merida
Nashville

Merida and Nashville are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Merida or Nashville Better for Couples?

Merida
Nashville

Merida and Nashville are both notable to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Nashville is a nice destination for couples. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Merida or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Merida is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.


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

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Merida or Nashville a more walkable city?

Merida
Nashville

Merida is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Merida?

How long in Merida or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nashville than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Nashville. 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 Nashville 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.


  • How many days in Merida or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Merida or Nashville?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nashville. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Merida or Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nashville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Nashville?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Nashville. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Nashville?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the southern destination of Nashville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Merida?

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

  • Merida Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Merida $99
    Nashville $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $202. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Merida and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $156
  • Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
  • Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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
    Nashville $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Nashville $27
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:

  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
  • 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $104
  • 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $68
  • 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $108
  • 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $89
  • Adventure 4 cenotes with Izamal: $119
  • Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128
  • Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $75
  • Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $165
  • Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise from Merida: $230

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • 3 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $269
  • 4 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $299
  • 4 Hour Can-Am Experience to Hampshire Wineries: $299
  • African American History Walking Tour [Franklin, TN] : $197
  • Bootleg & Barrels: A Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Experience: $38
  • Civil Rights Tour Of Nashville: $298
  • Civil War History Tour – The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee: $94
  • Discover Fully Narrated Half-Day City Tour: $95
  • From Memphis Tour with Graceland VIP Access: $329
  • Murder on Music Row Country Music True Crime Ghost Tour: $33
  • Nashville Downtown: Escape Room Adventure: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists: $35
  • Music History and Moonshine Pub Crawl: $35
  • Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour: $35
  • Murder Mystery Interactive Party Game & Pub Crawl: $38
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Pub Crawl: $38
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour: $45
  • Nashville Bar Crawl: Guided Pub Crawl with Drinks Discounts: $48
  • Nashville's Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl: $55


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


Which is Bigger, Merida or Nashville?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Nashville. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Merida or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nashville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Merida is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Merida or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Nashville. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nashville can be very cold during winter. Merida is much warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Nashville. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Merida or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Nashville. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nashville because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Merida is a little warmer than Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Nashville. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Merida

Merida Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)