vs
Antiguais 17% cheaper Dorms avg $β18/night vs $β16/night.
Quick Verdict
Best Forβ¦
Traveler type
π¬πΉ Antigua
π²π½ Merida
Solo budget traveler
β
β
β
β
β
22 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
β
Couple on a budget
β
β
β
β
β
Private rooms avg $65/night
β
Digital nomad
β
β
β
β
β
Coffee $3.38, dorms avg $20
β
Nightlife seeker
β
β
β
β
β
Beer $3.26, 22 hostels
β
First-time Europer
β
β
β
β
β
24 attractions
β
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | π¬πΉ Antigua | π²π½ Merida | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed Β· street food Β· free activities | $β25 cheaper | $β30 | $5/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private Β· restaurants | $55 | $47 cheaper | $8/day |
flashpackr Private rooms Β· dining out Β· some tours | $99 | $77 cheaper | $22/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | π¬πΉ Antigua | π²π½ Merida |
|---|---|---|
| π₯Street food meal Local market, street stall | $β5.86 39% less | $β9.57 |
| π½οΈMid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $β26.71 | $β20.65 23% less |
| πΊBeer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $β3.26 | $β2.73 16% less |
| βCoffee Espresso or flat white | $β3.38 | $β3.21 5% less |
| πSingle metro / bus Standard single ticket | $β2 | $β0.46 77% less |
| π«24-hour day pass Unlimited public transport | β | $β2 |
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
π¬πΉβΌ
Antigua
Guatemala
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Indexβ’
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night). Strong hostel scene (22 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBarbara S Boutique Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$β18/night
Total hostels22
π²π½
Merida
Mexico
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCasa Lool Beh (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$β16/night
Total hostels20
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
π¬πΉ Antigua
π²π½ Merida
πͺπΊ EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
πΊπΈ US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¬π§ UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¦πΊ Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
π¨π¦ Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Antigua & Merida
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Β°C Β· mm
π¬πΉ Antigua
28Β°C
High
/
17Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 34mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
π²π½ Merida
34Β°C
High
/
22Β°C
Low
π§ Rainfall: 13mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
π¬πΉ Antigua
1. El CalvarioFree
2. Estatua del ApΓ³stol Santiago de los Caballβ¦Free
3. Lugar donde muriΓ³ el Hermano PedroFree
4. Museo de SantiagoFree
5. Museo del Libro AntiguoFree
π²π½ Merida
1. Estuctura Maya - San Pedro CholulFree
2. Estuctura maya en la exhacienda ChichΓ SuΓ‘β¦Free
3. Estuctura maya en la exhacienda San Pedro β¦Free
4. Exhacienda San Pedro CholulFree
5. XoclanFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Antigua or Merida cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Antigua vs Merida?+
Do I need a visa for Antigua or Merida?+
When is the best time to visit Antigua or Merida?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Antigua and Merida?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Keep Exploring
Explore These Cities
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport β built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary βFree Β· No account required Β· Results in under 30 seconds