Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Dar es Salaam?
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 Dar es Salaam or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Cuenca?
Dar es Salaam
Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.
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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $493Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $452Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $904Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $14Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
- Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192
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 to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Dar es Salaam 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 dayDar es Salaam $33Cuenca $26
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.Dar es Salaam -Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.
- Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
- Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
- Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
- The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
- Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
- Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150
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
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.97Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Cuenca, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Cuenca?
Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Cuenca. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar es Salaam 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar es Salaam 25°C (78°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Dar es Salaam during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar es Salaam 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar es Salaam 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Dar es Salaam
| Dar es Salaam | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.