Last update: Oct 2026 Venezuela 250.3K

Cost of Living in Merida

For one person, living costs in Merida are estimated at $814 a month, including rent and utilities, which take less than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $23 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Merida

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Merida actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $814 per month with rent, or $708 for everyday expenses alone.

$814 /mo

A couple spends around $1,418 per month with rent, or $1,262 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,418 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,021 per month with rent, or $1,816 without housing.

$2,021 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.90 VES 10.4K
$9.92 VES 8,707
$19.83 VES 17.4K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$60.9 VES 53.4K
$25.35 VES 22.3K
$101 VES 89.0K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.82 VES 9,500
$9.84 VES 8,637
$11.81 VES 10.4K
Cappuccino
$2.54 VES 2,226
$1.01 VES 890
$4.06 VES 3,562
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.13 VES 1,867
$0.98 VES 861
$3.92 VES 3,442
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.36 VES 1,195
$1.02 VES 898
$2.05 VES 1,797
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.97 VES 1,727
$1.18 VES 1,036
$2.36 VES 2,073
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.01 VES 2,644
$3.01 VES 2,644
$3.01 VES 2,644
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.04 VES 1,788
$1.53 VES 1,341
$4.58 VES 4,023
White Bread (500g)
$3.32 VES 2,913
$1.02 VES 899
$5.12 VES 4,495
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.00 VES 1,759
$1.21 VES 1,066
$3.04 VES 2,666
Eggs
$2.51 VES 2,201
$1.68 VES 1,479
$3.57 VES 3,132
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.79 VES 5,965
$4.56 VES 4,006
$8.11 VES 7,122
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.87 VES 6,912
$3.02 VES 2,652
$10.55 VES 9,263
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.31 VES 6,421
$5.88 VES 5,164
$8.04 VES 7,057
Apples (1kg)
$5.11 VES 4,488
$4.04 VES 3,547
$5.86 VES 5,144
Banana (1kg)
$1.44 VES 1,267
$1.01 VES 886
$2.02 VES 1,773
Oranges (1kg)
$2.76 VES 2,426
$1.37 VES 1,200
$4.88 VES 4,287
Tomato (1kg)
$2.36 VES 2,070
$1.02 VES 896
$4.08 VES 3,584
Potato (1kg)
$1.98 VES 1,735
$0.88 VES 773
$3.91 VES 3,435
Onion (1kg)
$1.36 VES 1,194
$1.01 VES 891
$1.62 VES 1,425
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.49 VES 1,307
$1.23 VES 1,076
$1.75 VES 1,538
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.53 VES 2,217
$1.67 VES 1,467
$3.89 VES 3,411
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.71 VES 3,258
$3.46 VES 3,040
$3.96 VES 3,475
Wine (Bottle)
$11.18 VES 9,812
$6.10 VES 5,352
$15.24 VES 13.4K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.40 VES 1,233
$0.79 VES 695
$1.80 VES 1,581
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21 VES 1,944
$1.22 VES 1,075
$3.06 VES 2,687
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.29 VES 253
$0.24 VES 211
$0.58 VES 507
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.95 VES 3,469
$3.95 VES 3,469
$4.94 VES 4,336
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.48 VES 1,300
$0.99 VES 866
$1.97 VES 1,733
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.86 VES 5,144
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.72 VES 629
$0.48 VES 419
$0.80 VES 705
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$45.7K VES 40.1M
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$50.5K VES 44.3M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$12.37 VES 10.9K
$7.60 VES 6,675
$14.75 VES 13.0K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.13 VES 8,894
$5.88 VES 5,166
$14.71 VES 12.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.49 VES 25.9K
$24.58 VES 21.6K
$34.41 VES 30.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$29.41 VES 25.8K
$29.41 VES 25.8K
$29.41 VES 25.8K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.79 VES 13.0K
$14.79 VES 13.0K
$14.79 VES 13.0K
Cinema Ticket
$4.93 VES 4,325
$2.96 VES 2,595
$7.88 VES 6,919
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$88.5 VES 77.7K
$35.07 VES 30.8K
$150 VES 131.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,399 VES 2.1M
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$72.6 VES 63.7K
$24.74 VES 21.7K
$119 VES 104.3K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.37 VES 37.2K
$35.59 VES 31.2K
$50.8 VES 44.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$97.4 VES 85.5K
$60.4 VES 53.0K
$121 VES 106.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$98.3 VES 86.3K
$81.3 VES 71.4K
$122 VES 107.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$132 VES 116.2K
$99.3 VES 87.1K
$149 VES 130.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$93.6 VES 82.1K
$70.2 VES 61.6K
$110 VES 96.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$224 VES 196.9K
$171 VES 149.9K
$251 VES 220.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$193 VES 169.8K
$183 VES 160.9K
$204 VES 178.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,184 VES 1.0M
$282 VES 247.3K
$2,615 VES 2.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,211 VES 1.1M
$404 VES 354.3K
$2,018 VES 1.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$290 VES 254.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
25
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Merida $814
Groceries & Markets
$289
Eating Out
$188
Clothing & Footwear
$140
Accommodation & Living
$94
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$52
Sport & Entertainment
$39
Getting Around
$13 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $132, dropping to $93.6 outside central areas. At just 46% of the average salary ($290), housing is genuinely affordable – well below the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $290 – below monthly costs of $814. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $289 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $61.0.

Cost Highlights

Merida has the cheapest 3-bedroom apartment, city center in South America

Merida has the 5th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, city center in South America

Merida has the 5th most expensive white bread in South America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
18:35 6:35 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
250,303
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to VES – Venezuelan Bolívar Converter

Venezuelan Bolívar exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 878 VES (1,000 VES = 1.14 USD). 1 EUR = 987 VES (1,000 VES = 1.01 EUR).

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Merida Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Merida - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merida, Venezuela a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, compared with other regional spots?
Compared with larger metros in the region, Merida, Venezuela often feels more accessible for a steady daily routine. Basic groceries, local meals, and public transit can support modest budgets, especially when you explore neighborhood markets and cook at home. The slower pace and shorter commutes help you stretch time and money, while smaller crowds mean you can enjoy outdoor spaces more often. The Cost of Living in Merida, Venezuela tends to reward flexible plans and local connections, with seasonal upticks around holidays and weekends. Tip: Pick a walkable area near groceries and cafés to minimize transport and impulse purchases.
What does a typical day look like for housing search, meals, transport, and coworking in Merida?
Daily life centers on accessibility and community. Housing search often starts with local listings or word of mouth, with options ranging from compact apartments near the historic core to quieter places on hillside avenues. For meals, you can balance inexpensive local dishes with occasional treats, and supermarkets for home cooking help regulate costs. Transport options include reliable buses, shared taxis, and walking; plan for occasional delays if you rely on public transit. For work or study, coworking spaces and cafés with reliable wifi offer flexible options. Merida living cost varies by neighborhood and your routines, so build a plan that keeps errands efficient. Tip: Schedule errands for off-peak hours and explore nearby neighborhoods on weekend scouting trips.
How can you maximize quality of life and budget with seasonal patterns and neighborhood fit?
To maximize quality of life, define a budgeting framework that fits your rhythm: set a monthly envelope for rent, groceries, and leisure, then adapt as prices shift with the seasons. Merida enjoys a mild climate most of the year, with healthier outdoor options in dry spells and more indoor activities during heavier rainfall. For neighborhood fit, balance proximity to markets and parks with safety, access to transit, and the vibe you want – historic streets, leafy corners, or modern amenities. Build a short-term stay first to test areas, then widen your circle. Tip: Join expat or digital nomad communities to swap tips on seasonal deals and day trips.
Why is Merida considered affordable?
Merida is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $814, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Merida expensive to live in?
By most standards, Merida is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $814, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
Can you save money on an average salary in Merida?
The average net salary in Merida is about $290, while comfortable living starts around $1,221. With total costs hitting $814 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Merida?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Merida runs about $132 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $93.6. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Merida?
Food in Merida is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $289 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How cheap is food in Merida?
Groceries in Merida are cheap – a single person spends about $289 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
Can you live on $800 a month in Merida?
$800 a month in Merida? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $814, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Merida good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Merida for good reason: vibrant nightlife, clean air, café culture. Monthly costs land around $814 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Merida?
Merida is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $814 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Merida good for backpackers on a budget?
Merida is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $814 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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