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

Should you visit Merida or Sarasota?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Sarasota, 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Merida and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its resorts and beaches. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Sarasota is popular for its sandy beaches and its fun activities.

How is Merida different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Merida is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Merida has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Merida is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

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

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

Sarasota has a beach worth visiting. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Sarasota?

Merida is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Merida is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for Families?

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

Sarasota is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota Better for Couples?

Merida and Sarasota are both good 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.

Sarasota is a nice destination for couples. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Merida or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many 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.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

Merida is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Merida or Sarasota a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its high level of walkability. However, Sarasota is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Merida?

How long in Merida or Sarasota?

In either Merida or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sarasota 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 Sarasota.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Merida or Sarasota?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarasota is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Sarasota?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Sarasota?

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Sarasota?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Sarasota. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarasota in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota 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 Sarasota during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sarasota receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Merida or Sarasota in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Sarasota. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Sarasota for the shopping scene during these months.

Merida is cooler than Sarasota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. 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 Sarasota. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota receives 234 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Merida or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Merida is a little warmer than Sarasota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Sarasota averages at about 59°F (15°C).

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

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

Should I visit Merida or Sarasota in the Spring?

Both Sarasota and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year.

In April, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarasota fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Sarasota. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Merida