Which place is cheaper, Saint John or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Saint John?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Saint John. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cuenca or Saint John?
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.
Saint John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Saint John $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $192. 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 Cuenca and Saint John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Saint John? 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Saint John $49
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 Cuenca or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John and Cuenca 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 dayCuenca $15Saint John $56
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
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Saint John $23
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 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
- 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
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Tours and Activities in Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- USVI: Island & Beach Tours in St. Thomas & St. John (2 Days): $199
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Saint John $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Saint John, we can see that Saint John is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cuenca is in South America and Saint John is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 Cuenca Expensive? and Is Saint John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Saint John?
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 Cuenca or Saint John in the Summer?
Both Saint John and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Saint John. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Cuenca is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCuenca 22°C (72°F)Saint John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Saint John in the Autumn?
Both Saint John and Cuenca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cuenca usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca is much colder than Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCuenca 12°C (54°F)Saint John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Saint John in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Saint John. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Saint John. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCuenca 4°C (39°F)Saint John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Saint John in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Saint John. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
Cuenca usually gets less rain in April than Saint John. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cuenca is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCuenca 10°C (50°F)Saint John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.