Which place is cheaper, Cusco or Mykonos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mykonos or Cusco?
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 Mykonos and Cusco. 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: Mykonos or Cusco?
Mykonos
Mykonos, a Greek Island in the middle of the Aegean Sea, is part of the Cyclades group. Mykonos is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea and is famous for its whitewashed buildings that climb up the hill along with historic windmills, stunning hillside views, and fantastic seafood restaurants. Because of its popularity, Mykonos comes with a hefty tourist markup. Many passengers arrive here as part of a cruise, so during the day its small streets can become crowded with tourists and its harbor fills with large ships. August and July are the most popular times to visit, so if you're hoping to avoid to crowds it's best to come a few months earlier.
Cusco
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMykonos €237Cusco €47
The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €237, while the average daily cost in Cusco is €47. 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 Mykonos and Cusco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMykonos €74Cusco €21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMykonos €148Cusco €42
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Cusco
Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Cusco? 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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Cusco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mykonos €24Cusco €9.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:
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Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)€5.60
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Taxi to Kalafatis€13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:
- TRANSFER FROM MYKONOS PORT(Cruise Terminal) TO MYKONOS TOWN: $8.61
- 24-hour Point-Point Mykonos Airport and Port Transfers Service: $20
- Private Luxury Transfer up to 11 Passengers : $22
- 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $27
- Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $31
- Mykonos Island VIP Transfers: 24/7 Private Transportation: $33
- Private One-way Transfer From Mykonos Airport To Mykonos: $34
- Private Transfer from Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Tagoo : $36
- Private Transfer around Mykonos City: $39
- Transfer Service: $43
- Private Mykonos Airport Transfer: $44
- Private Transfer from Old Port of Mykonos to Mykonos Airport (JMK): $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:
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Taxi Ride€1.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:
- One-Way Cusco Airport Departure Transfer: $5.40
- Transfers in Cusco: $6.00
- One-Way Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $7.00
- One-Way Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $9.00
- Private 1-Way Transfer to Velasco Astete Airport: $9.00
- One-Way Airport Transfer to Hotel: $9.50
- Transfer Hotel to Airport in Cusco | Private Service |: $10
- Private transfers from Cuzco Airport to Hotels and Sacred Valley: $10
- Transfer From Cusco Airport: $10
- Transfer Cusco Airport - Hotel or Train Station: $12
- Cusco Bus Station Arrival or Departure Transfer: $13
- Cusco Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Cusco?
Prices for flights to both Cusco and Mykonos 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 dayMykonos €48Cusco €12
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:
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Two Ice cream Cones€4.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.
- Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $101
- Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
- Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
- Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $161
- Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
- Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $197
- Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $285
- Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $613
Typical Food Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:
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Sandwich€2.00
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Mango€0.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.
- Small-Group Virtual Ceviche Cooking Experience: $25
- Folkloric Andean Show & 3-Course Dinner at Tunupa: $35
- CUSCO COOKING CLASS LUNCH - Quick Culinary Dive: $37
- 3-Hour Peruvian Cooking Class: $49
- Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $53
- Cooking Class and market tour with a local chef: $56
- Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market in Cusco: $59
- Dinner at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba Hotel: $65
- Peruvian Market Tour And Cooking Class in Cusco: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Cocktails & Local Market Tour: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class & Market Tour: $65
- Awamaki Cooking Class: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mykonos €23Cusco €27
Tours and Activities in Mykonos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:
- Find your (queer) god Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.72
- Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Mykonos Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Paddle Boat Experience: $16
- Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $30
- Sunset Party Boat Cruise with 1 Drink: $32
- Highlights Walking Tour with a Local: $38
- Walking Tour as a Local: $38
- 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
- Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
- Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43
- From Ano Mera Farm Tour: $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:
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Salsa Class€2.49
Tours and Activities in Cusco
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Cusco: $2.00
- Cusco : Half Day City Tour: $9.00
- Walking Tour Cusco: $10
- Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary Admission Ticket: $10
- CUSCO CITY TOUR 2024 Half Day Tour in Cuzco: $10
- Cusco City Half-Day Tour: $12
- Open Bus Tour of the City’s Wonder’s: $12
- Sightseeing Tour of the City on an Open-Top Bus: $12
- City Tour Cusco / Tour in the City: $12
- Open-Top Bus City Tour: $12
- Mirabus Cusco city tour | Panoramic view |: $12
- Historic Walking Tour with Pisco Sour and Music Show: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMykonos €20Cusco €8.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos
Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
- Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
- Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $81
- Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
- Mykonos Town: Wine tour in Greek Gastronony with a local: $103
- Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $129
- Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $129
Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco
Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cusco Pub Crawl - Bar Tour Cusco : $18
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience : $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Access and Drinks: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with more than 10 Benefits: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Cusco, we can see that Mykonos is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mykonos is in Europe and Cusco 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 Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos than you might in Cusco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mykonos Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Cusco?
Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Cusco, 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.
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.