Which place is cheaper, Valdosta or Merida?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Merida or Valdosta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Valdosta, 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.
Where Should I go: Merida or Valdosta?
Merida
Merida is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is also the capital of the state of Yucatan as a whole. There is a population of 750,000 and is very rich in diversity and culture.
Valdosta
Valdosta is a fast-growing city located in Southern Georgia in the United States. With a humid, subtropical climate, Valdosta is sometimes called the Azalea City, as the blossoms thrive in the area. The city is also home to many museums, galleries, restaurants, and venues for entertainment, as well as Valdosta State University.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Merida Prices
Mexico PricesValdosta Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMerida $99Valdosta $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Valdosta is $169. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Merida and Valdosta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMerida $40Valdosta $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMerida $80Valdosta $140
Compare Hotels in Merida and Valdosta
Looking for a hotel in Merida or Valdosta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Merida Hotel Prices and Valdosta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Merida $17Valdosta $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida
Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
- Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $156
- One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
- Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
- Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
- Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Valdosta?
Prices for flights to both Valdosta and Merida change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMerida $46Valdosta $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida
For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated : $44
- Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
- Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
- Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Merida $15Valdosta $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Train at the Zoo$0.11
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Uxmal Entrance (for 2)$18
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Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)$5.43
Tours and Activities in Merida
For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
- 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $104
- 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $68
- 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $108
- 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $89
- Adventure 4 cenotes with Izamal: $119
- Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
- Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128
- Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $75
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $165
- Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise from Merida: $230
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMerida $14Valdosta $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Valdosta, we can see that Valdosta 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 Valdosta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdosta 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 Valdosta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Merida or Valdosta?
Merida has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Valdosta. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Valdosta, 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 Valdosta?
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 Valdosta in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Valdosta. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Merida is generally cooler than Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdosta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
Valdosta receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdosta 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Merida or Valdosta in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Valdosta. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Merida is around the same temperature as Valdosta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Valdosta fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Valdosta. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdosta 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Merida or Valdosta in the Winter?
Both Valdosta and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Valdosta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Valdosta averages at about 51°F (11°C).
In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Valdosta. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMerida 20°C (68°F)Valdosta 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Merida or Valdosta in the Spring?
Both Valdosta and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year.
In April, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Valdosta. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Valdosta fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).
Valdosta 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 Valdosta. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Valdosta receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMerida 21°C (70°F)Valdosta 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Valdosta and Merida
| Merida | Valdosta | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 inches (103 mm) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 6.6 inches (168 mm) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 8.9 inches (227 mm) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.9 inches (175 mm) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 6.7 inches (169 mm) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 60°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.