Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cuenca? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Dubrovnik or Cuenca?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik $142Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $142, 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 Dubrovnik and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik $59Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik $118Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik $15Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport: $52
- Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $69
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $275
- Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $286
- Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by MB Van: $62
- Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV by MB Van: $66
- Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $45
- Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $65
- Arrival Transfer: Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by Luxury Van: $59
- Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $222
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $34
- Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $60
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 Dubrovnik or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik $67Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
- Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
- Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
- Old Town Food Tour: $157
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
- Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226
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.Dubrovnik $22Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$16
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$62
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$53
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $3.57
- Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.58
- Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.99
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
- Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
- Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
- Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $11
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
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 dayDubrovnik $16Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
- Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
- Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
- Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Cuenca, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Cuenca?
Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In July, Dubrovnik is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubrovnik is a little warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. In October, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Dubrovnik during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Dubrovnik is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Cuenca. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Dubrovnik is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.