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

Should you visit Merida or Tallahassee?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Tallahassee, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Merida and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Tallahassee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is more touristy than Tallahassee and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Merida different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

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

Merida is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for its Old Town?

Merida is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Tallahassee?

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

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.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Merida and Tallahassee are both nice 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 Tallahassee. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Merida is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Is Merida or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Tallahassee is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Tallahassee is a great city to visit as a student. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Merida or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

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

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

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Merida?

How long in Merida or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Merida or Tallahassee to fill your time. In our opinion, Merida has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Merida than Tallahassee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Merida than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

The traditional city of Merida offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Tallahassee. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Tallahassee?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Tallahassee. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Tallahassee in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallahassee this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Tallahassee during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Tallahassee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Tallahassee. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Tallahassee in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is around the same temperature as Tallahassee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Tallahassee averages at about 69°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets less sunshine than Tallahassee. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 256 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Tallahassee. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Tallahassee in the Winter?

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

In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Tallahassee. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Tallahassee fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Tallahassee during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Tallahassee receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Tallahassee. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Tallahassee in the Spring?

Both Tallahassee and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.

Merida is around the same temperature as Tallahassee in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Tallahassee fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Tallahassee. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tallahassee receives 295 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Tallahassee. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tallahassee receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.

Typical Weather for Tallahassee and Merida