Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Cuenca, 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: Aqaba or Cuenca?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Aqaba and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Cuenca? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra : $90
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Cuenca, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Cuenca is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Cuenca, 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 Aqaba or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Cuenca. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
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.