Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Gothenburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Gothenburg or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Cuenca?
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Gothenburg Prices
Sweden PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGothenburg $145Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, 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 Gothenburg and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGothenburg $46Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGothenburg $92Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gothenburg $21Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
- Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $17
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
-
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 Gothenburg or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Gothenburg 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
-
Food Meals for one dayGothenburg $76Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
-
Lunch$10
-
Snacks$5.00
-
Empanada$1.50
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gothenburg $18Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self Guided Tour in Gothenburg: $3.58
- Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Headless Horseman in Self-Guided Ghost Tour Game: $8.63
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $15
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $16
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $19
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $24
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $25
- City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $28
- Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $36
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGothenburg $24Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gothenburg:
- Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gothenburg and Cuenca, we can see that Gothenburg is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Cuenca?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Cuenca?
Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGothenburg 16°C (61°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Gothenburg is cooler than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGothenburg 9°C (47°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Gothenburg usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGothenburg -2°C (29°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Gothenburg or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGothenburg 5°C (41°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Gothenburg
| Gothenburg | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (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.