Skyline of Mérida
Cost of Living: 95 350,000

Mérida, Venezuela

A highland university city in the Andes, known for its cable car, colonial architecture, and outdoor adventure sports.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Mérida is a city in L with a population of 350,000. A highland university city in the Andes, known for its cable car, colonial architecture, and outdoor adventure sports. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs Venezuela Avg (100)

Housing Index 110

Above Average

Median Income Bs.S 2,800

Household income

Unemployment 9.0%

Job market health

Mérida vs Venezuela Average

Cost of Living
Mérida: 95
Venezuela Avg: 100
Housing Index
Mérida: 110
Venezuela Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Mérida: 34%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 34.0%
  • Sales Tax: 16.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Bs.S 2,800
  • Unemployment: 9.0%
  • Population: 350,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 180/year
  • Summer High: 74°F
  • Winter Low: 50°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: Bs.S35,000
  • 1BR Rent: Bs.S150/mo

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Cost of Living

Mérida's cost of living index is 95 (Venezuela average = 100).

CategoryMéridaNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing110100+10.0%

Data source: INE Venezuela / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceBs.S35,000
Median Rent (1BR)Bs.S150/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Bs.S188/mo
Price per Sq FtBs.S23

Data source: Consejo Nacional de la Vivienda / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Bs.S
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Bs.S

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mérida:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityBs.S5
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterBs.S3Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Bs.S10Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesBs.S18Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CORPOELEC, CANTV 2025

Remote Work Score

Mérida scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
Bs.S150
Sunny Days
180
Tax
34%
Unemployment
9.0%
Climate
74°F / 50°F
Safety
26.8 homicides/100k
Population
350,000
Internet Speed
20 Mbps

Climate

Mérida has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January70°F50°F2.5"
April59°F65°F2.8"
July74°F49°F1.5"
October54°F68°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Mérida faces the following natural hazards:

Hurricane High Risk

Significant hurricane risk.

Flood High Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Amazon and savanna wildfires.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Mountainous region with landslides.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 34%
  • Sales Tax: 16%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Mérida per 100,000 residents:

200.0
Violent Crime
300.0
Property Crime
26.8
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Academic Year September to June/July
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June/July to September (10 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (3 weeks)
Spring Break Carnival in February/March (1 week)

Carnival and Easter are national holiday breaks.

Demographics

The population of Mérida is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Black
3.6%
Indigenous
2.7%
Mestizo
51.6%
Other
0.5%
White
43.6%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
25.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
35.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
73.0%
Christian (Protestant/Evangelical)
17.0%
Other
3.0%
Unaffiliated
7.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: INE Census (2011)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mérida, Venezuela?

The cost of living index in Mérida is 95, which is Lower the Venezuela national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Mérida?

The median home price in Mérida is Bs.S35,000. The housing index is 110.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mérida is approximately Bs.S150/mo.

Does Mérida, L have income tax?

Mérida is in L, which has an income tax rate of 34%.

What is the climate like in Mérida?

Mérida enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 74°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: INE Venezuela / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Consejo Nacional de la Vivienda / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: INE Venezuela Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CORPOELEC, CANTV 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.