Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Geneva?
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 Geneva or Cuenca?
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 Geneva and Cuenca. 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: Geneva or Cuenca?
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Geneva Prices
Switzerland PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGeneva $288Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $288, 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 Geneva and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGeneva $168Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGeneva $336Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Geneva $11Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $83
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $99
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $112
- Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
- Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $116
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $99
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
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 Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Geneva 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 dayGeneva $105Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $225
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $228
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.Geneva $35Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Highlights of Dark History Quest Experience: $5.94
- Geneva Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.32
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Geneva Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Geneva Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.51
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Geneva’s Old Town: $12
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Many Faces of Geneva: $13
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $21
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
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
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGeneva $26Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $262
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Geneva and Cuenca, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Geneva or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Cuenca?
Geneva 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 Geneva or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Geneva is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 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 JulyGeneva 22°C (71°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Geneva usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 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 OctoberGeneva 14°C (56°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Cuenca. Many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. Geneva is around the same temperature as Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Geneva usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 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 JanuaryGeneva 4°C (39°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Geneva or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Cuenca. Many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 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 AprilGeneva 11°C (53°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Geneva
| Geneva | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.