Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Cuenca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nassau or Cuenca?
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $42. 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 Nassau and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- (Private) Nassau Bahamas Airport Round-Trip Transfers (1-4ppl One Flat Rate): $160
- Airport Transfer: $190
- Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
- Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Group transfer: $68
- Low Cost Airport Transfers: $185
- Luxury MKT Town Car Private Roundtrip Transfer : $140
- Luxury Taxi Transfer to Nassau Bahamas Paradise Island: $125
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Arrival Transfer: $40
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:
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Nassau or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Nassau 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 dayNassau $53Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
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
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Island Tour: $44
- Nassau Historical Walking Tour: $49
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Cuenca, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Nassau is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Cuenca. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Nassau is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Nassau usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Nassau is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Nassau during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Nassau usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Nassau is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Nassau
| Nassau | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.