Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Luxor?
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 Luxor or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor 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: Luxor or Cuenca?
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Luxor Prices
Egypt PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $33Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, 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 Luxor and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $11Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $22Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $5.64Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
-
Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Horus, Kom Ombo and Khnum Temples from Luxor with Transfers : $53
- Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
- Luxor airport transfer : $35
- Private Transfer Luxor International Airport to Luxor Hotels: $20
- Private Transfer Service from Luxor to Hurghada: $128
- Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $30
- Transfer Service from Luxor to Aswan (Private): $51
- Transfer from Luxor Airport to Anywhere in Luxor: $15
- Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Luxor Airport: $35
- Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or Nile Cruise: $17
- private transfer one way from Luxor to Hurghada : $70
- "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00
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 Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Luxor 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 dayLuxor $16Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
- Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
- 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
- Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $60
- Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
- Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on a Luxor Nile River Boat: $60
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
- Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
- Egyptian cooking class and Luxor museum : $120
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
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.Luxor $10Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
-
Temple Karnak for Two$2.73
-
Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full tour to Karnak and Luxor temples, and felucca: $5.00
- Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
- Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
- Tour in the East Bank of Luxor: $9.00
- Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00
- Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show Experience in Luxor: $9.00
- 4 Hour Private East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Private Day Tour: $10
- Private Half-Day tour to Karnak temple: $10
- Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour: $10
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $3.10Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca than you might in Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Cuenca?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor 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 Luxor or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. Luxor is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuxor 33°C (91°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Luxor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Luxor is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luxor in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuxor 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In January, Luxor is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 14°C (57°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuxor 14°C (57°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Cuenca. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luxor is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuxor 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Luxor
| Luxor | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.