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

Should you visit Merida or Ocean City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Ocean City, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City travel costs.

Merida and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Ocean City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Ocean City are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Merida is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Merida or Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Ocean City 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 Ocean City know how to have a good time. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Merida or Ocean City Better for Resorts?

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

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Ocean City Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Ocean City?

Merida is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Merida or Ocean City Better for Families?

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

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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 mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Merida or Ocean City a more walkable city?

Merida is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Merida?

How long in Merida or Ocean City?

Both Merida and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ocean City than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. 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 Ocean City?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Ocean City 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 Ocean City?

Merida, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. 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 Ocean City?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic destination of Ocean City. This 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Ocean City?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

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 Ocean City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Ocean City. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Merida is cooler than Ocean City in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Ocean City. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Ocean City. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Ocean City in the Autumn?

Both Ocean City 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 Ocean City because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is a little warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Ocean City averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Ocean City in the Winter?

Both Ocean City 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ocean City in the winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Ocean City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Ocean City. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches.

Merida is much warmer than Ocean City in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Merida