Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Beijing?
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 Beijing or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Beijing or Cuenca?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Beijing Prices
China PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $96Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $96, 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 Beijing and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $42Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $84Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Beijing Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $8.28Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.06
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Train from Airport for Two$7.41
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Taxi to Hotel$8.89
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2 Metro Passes$2.37
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing: $112
- Badaling Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide/Transfer Service: $9.50
- Badaling Great Wall Ticket, Transfer & Guide Service: $10
- Badaling Night Great Wall Ticket Show and Optional Transfer: $45
- Beijing 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfer Options: $23
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
- Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $189
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 Beijing or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $36Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.89
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.41
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.96
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Watermelon$2.07
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
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.
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $26Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.89
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jingshan Park QR Ticket with 4 Language Audio Guide: $2.50
- Entrance Tickets: Coal Hill Park, Beihai Park & Drum-Bell Towers: $2.50
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking: $2.99
- Forbidden City/Palace Museum and Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $3.00
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking Service: $3.00
- Tian'amen Square & Forbidden City Tickets or Guided Group Tour: $3.00
- Jingshan Park Ticket - Panoramic Forbidden City View: $3.00
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Private Combo Tour: Capital Museum & Classic Historical Landmarks: $3.42
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
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
- Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class: $20
- Chocolate Sightseeing Tour with Hands-On Class: $20
- Cuenca electric scooter tour: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Walking Tour Through The Historic Center Of Cuenca: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Pumapungo Museum Guided Tour: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Rivers Bike Tour with Artisan Ice Cream Stop: $37
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cuenca Urban Adventure: Streets, Views & Local Stories: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
Sample the Local Flavors in Cuenca
Also in Cuenca, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cuenca Pub Crawl: Pub Crawl with Drinks and Free Club Entry: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Cuenca, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Cuenca?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Cuenca?
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beijing or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Beijing is a little warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Beijing
| Beijing | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 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.