Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $79
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $48
- Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $131
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
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:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.25Cuenca $15
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $43
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $47
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55
- Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $57
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
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
- History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
- A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Jewish Heritage in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $11
- Recoleta Cemetery - Buenos Aires Jewel (Virtual Live Tour Experience): $11
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Panoramic Bus Tour to the Historic South Parth: $12
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Experience Historical City Tour: $38
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $60
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 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 January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 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 April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 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 July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 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 October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.