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

Should you visit Merida or Tampa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Tampa, 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Merida and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Merida is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Merida different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Merida is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Tampa?

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for Families?

Tampa 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 Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa Better for Couples?

Merida is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Merida or Tampa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Merida has some 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 limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Merida or Tampa a more walkable city?

Merida is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Merida?

How long in Merida or Tampa?

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

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

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

In Merida, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colonial destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Tampa 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 Tampa?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find food and shopping 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. This 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 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 Tampa, we can see that Tampa 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 Tampa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Tampa?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Tampa, 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 Tampa?

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 Tampa in the Summer?

Both Tampa and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Tampa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Merida or Tampa in the Autumn?

Both Tampa and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Tampa because of the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Tampa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Tampa averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tampa. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 234 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Tampa. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Tampa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Tampa. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Tampa this time of year.

In January, Merida is generally a little warmer than Tampa. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Tampa fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa 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 Tampa during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Tampa receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Merida or Tampa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Tampa. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Merida is around the same temperature as Tampa in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Tampa fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Tampa. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tampa receives 299 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Tampa. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tampa receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tampa and Merida