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

Should you visit Merida or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Santa Monica, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a lively, funfilled, and energetic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Merida and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Santa Monica?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Monica than Merida. While Merida is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is more popular for its beaches, while Merida is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and big city activities. Santa Monica is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Merida different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

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

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, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Merida or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica know how to have a good time. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Merida or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Santa Monica Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its old town. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Santa Monica?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Merida and Santa Monica.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Merida or Santa Monica Better for Families?

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

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Santa Monica is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Santa Monica offers a very effecient public transportation network. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Is Merida or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Merida and Santa Monica are very good 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.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Merida?

How long in Merida or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

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

In Merida, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colonial city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Santa Monica?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find museums and nightlife 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica?

Merida is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. This town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Santa Monica?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Santa Monica. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

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

In July, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Merida usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

Merida is around the same temperature as Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In the winter, Merida is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Merida usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Santa Monica in the Spring?

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

In April, Merida is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Merida