Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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: Kyoto or Cuenca?
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Kyoto Prices
Japan PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKyoto $109Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $109, 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 Kyoto and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKyoto $61Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKyoto $122Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kyoto $7.26Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $122
- City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai: $254
- Kansai Airport(KIX)to/from Osaka or Kyoto Private Transfer: $109
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $122
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $166
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Osaka Private Transfer to or from Kyoto: $207
- Private Transfer Kyoto Station to Kyoto City: $122
- Private Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport: $256
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $139
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
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Kyoto 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 dayKyoto $40Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Japanese Sweets (Nerikiri) Cooking Class & Matcha tea: $24
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $26
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings with Local Guide: $51
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class: Okonomiyaki & Japanese Cuisines: $51
- Japanese Cooking Class: $59
- Arashiyama Vegan Ramen & Gyoza : Real Home Cooking (Max 4): $64
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $69
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $69
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $70
- Sushi - Authentic Japanese Cooking Class - the best souvenir from Kyoto!: $71
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
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kyoto $13Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.21
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.55
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Family Mitsui House Museum with green tea admission ticket: $7.06
- Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $7.45
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $12
- Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $14
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto: $16
- Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca Chocolate Tour with Practice Class: $15
- 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
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Private Day Tour in Cuenca and Cajas: $41
- Cuenca Bike Tour with Coffee and Appetizer: $43
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKyoto $12Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Izakaya & Pub Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $32
- Fushimi Sake Discovery Tour Tasting and Brewery Visit: $76
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes tasting): $80
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $82
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $96
- Kyoto Hidden Bar Crawl Pontocho and Gion: $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $109
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $154
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Cuenca, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Cuenca?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Cuenca?
Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kyoto is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 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 JulyKyoto 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the autumn, Kyoto is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 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 OctoberKyoto 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 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 JanuaryKyoto 5°C (40°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Kyoto is a little warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Kyoto gets 153 mm (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 AprilKyoto 14°C (58°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Kyoto
| Kyoto | Cuenca | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.