Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Cuenca?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $57Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $57, 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 Hanoi and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.54Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.14
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
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Short Taxi Ride$1.29
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Deluxe Cabin Doris Cruise 2days1night with roundtrip transfer : $250
- Luxury Halong Bay Day Tour - 6 hours cruising - Limousine transfers: $119
- Private Transfer From Hanoi to Mai Chau: $100
- Private Transfer From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: $75
- 1 Day Halong Bay Tour on Alova Cruise with Transfer & Lunch: $58
- 1 Day Halong Cruise Tour with Transfer and early return to Hanoi: $36
- 1 Day Tour to Halong Bay Cruise from 3 - 5 star Cruise & Transfer: $38
- 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
- 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
- 2 Days Sapa Trekking Transfer by Limousine from/to Hanoi: $150
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI : $125
- 2-Day Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tour With Transfer - Best Seller: $120
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 Hanoi or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $23Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.17
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Bowl of Pho$0.76
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Old Quarter Cooking Class Tour With Local Market Shopping : $9.71
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $18
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
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.Hanoi $8.07Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.52
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
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National History Museum$1.52
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.65
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hanoi Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- Vietnam 7 Day 30GB Tourist SIM Rental: $4.66
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Half Day Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour: $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Walking City Tour in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience: $5.00
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Craft Village Tour (Quang Phu Cau, Bat Trang, Chuong Conical,...): $5.00
- Private Early Morning Tour in Hanoi City: $5.00
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 dayHanoi $7.30Cuenca $14
When comparing the travel costs between Hanoi and Cuenca, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Hanoi is in Asia and Cuenca is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Cuenca?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Cuenca?
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 Hanoi or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Hanoi is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Hanoi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Cuenca. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Hanoi is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.