Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Osaka?
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 Osaka or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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: Osaka or Cuenca?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Osaka Prices
Japan PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $110Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $110, 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 Osaka and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $48Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $96Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $72
- Airport Transfer!Hotel in center of Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX): $192
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Car: $209
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $258
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Japan Railway Station Shared Arrival Transfer : Shin Osaka Station to Osaka City: $71
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $282
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Kansai Area City to City Transfer: $102
- Kansai Intl. Airport (KIX) Private Transfer to/from Osaka: $80
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
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 to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $45Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
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.Osaka $21Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower Ticket: $14
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
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Cuenca, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Cuenca?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka or Cuenca?
Osaka 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 Osaka or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Osaka during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In July, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOsaka 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Osaka is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOsaka 19°C (66°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Osaka is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Osaka usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOsaka 6°C (42°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOsaka 15°C (59°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Osaka
| Osaka | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.