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

Should you visit Merida or Saint Petersburg?

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

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a underrated, relaxed, and fun-filled coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Petersburg travel costs.

Merida and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Saint Petersburg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Saint Petersburg. Merida is bigger than Saint Petersburg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Petersburg is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Saint Petersburg is well known for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Merida different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Saint Petersburg and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Petersburg. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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

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

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, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Merida is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Petersburg has a few great resort options. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg Better for its Old Town?

Merida is great for its historic old town. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Saint Petersburg?

Merida is great for shopping. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

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

Saint Petersburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around 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 Saint Petersburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg is not a good destination 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.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Merida is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg 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 generally limited in Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Merida or Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Merida?

How long in Merida or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint Petersburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

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

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

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historical city of Merida. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint Petersburg?

Merida is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Saint Petersburg?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Saint Petersburg. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

Saint Petersburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Saint Petersburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In October, Merida is generally cooler than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Merida is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint Petersburg during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

Both Saint Petersburg and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Merida