Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Cordoba?
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 Cordoba or Cusco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or Cusco, 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: Cordoba or Cusco?
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
Cusco
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.
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Cordoba Prices
Argentina PricesCusco Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCordoba $64Cusco $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $64, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $66. 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 Cordoba and Cusco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCordoba $51Cusco $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCordoba $102Cusco $50
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Cusco
Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Cusco? 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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cordoba $2.99Cusco $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cordoba Airport Private Transfer: $54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:
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Taxi Ride$1.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:
- Private Transfer from Valle Sagrado to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $170
- Scenic Journey from Cusco to Puno by Bus Including Hotel Transfers: $128
- Ollantaytambo Train Station to Cuzco - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
- Transfer to Ollantaytambo Cusco Peru: $90
- Private Transfer from Cusco Hotel, airport to Sacred Valley: $90
- Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
- Private Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Station: $45
- Full Day Rainbow Mountain Tour from Cusco with Hotel Transfer: $42
- Lake Humantay Full Day Trip with Transfers, Breakfast and Lunch: $42
- Transfer to Ollantaytambo to/from Urubamba: $41
- Transfer Cusco to Urubamba: $40
- Private Transfer from Sacsayhuamán to Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) Airport: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Cusco?
Prices for flights to both Cusco and Cordoba 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 dayCordoba $6.92Cusco $25
Typical Food Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:
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Sandwich$2.35
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Mango$0.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.
- Bilingual Cooking Class with Pisco Cocktail in Cusco: $40
- Market-to-Table Peruvian Cooking Class and Cocktail in Cusco: $52
- Cusco Cooking Class by ChocoMuseo in Cusco: $54
- Cooking Class in Sacred Valley 8 Recipes and Drinks: $55
- Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour in Cusco: $57
- Cusco Food Tour: Andean Cuisine & City Tour: $63
- Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $69
- Cusco Street Food Tour and Pisco Tasting Experience: $69
- Cooking Class Peruvian Culinary Experience with Local Chefs: $70
- Cusco Authentic Food Tour with 9 Locals Favorites Tastings: $76
- Cusco Tour at Night: Planetarium, Dinner & Pisco Sour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cordoba $18Cusco $32
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $61
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $61
- Cordoba City Tour: $72
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $72
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $74
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $79
- Summit and Villa General Belgrano Tour from Cordoba Capital: $80
- PRIVATE TOUR: Traditional Córdoba CityTour HalfDay: $90
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $94
- PRIVATE TOUR: World Heritage Jesuit Museums: $95
- PRIVATE TOUR: Alta Gracia with Che Guevara´s house: $95
- PRIVATE TUR: Caroya WineTour HalfDay: $95
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:
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Salsa Class$2.94
Tours and Activities in Cusco
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:
- "Waqrapukara" Great Canyon Full Day Tour: $100
- 1 Day Palcoyo 7-Color Mountain Hiking Tour: $45
- 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour From Cusco: $60
- 1 Day Tour to Palccoyo (Alternative Rainbow Mtn) from Cusco, Peru: $154
- 1-Day Tour Rainbow Mountain from Cusco: $190
- 1-Day Tour Sacred Valley From Cusco: $120
- 2 Day Machu Picchu by Car Tour Scenic Hike and Exploration: $130
- 2-Day Group Tour: Cusco City Tour & Sacred Valley of the Incas: $129
- 2-Day Guided Tour of Ausangate Trek: $290
- 2-Day Machu Picchu by Car Tour: $239
- 2-Day Rainbow Mountain Tour with Hotel Stay: $185
- 2D1N Machu Picchu Tour: $289
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCordoba $7.28Cusco $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Wine Tour to Colonia Caroya, Cordoba - Half Day: $117
- Wine Tour Privado a Colonia Caroya, Córdoba - Argentina: $175
- Wine Tour Privado a Calamuchita, Córdoba - Argentina: $175
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $274
Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco
Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Discover Cusco Nightlife with Bar Crawl Cusco: $16
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines: $23
When comparing the travel costs between Cordoba and Cusco, we can see that Cusco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cordoba Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Cusco?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Cusco, 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.
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.