Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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: Paphos or Cuenca?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos $147Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is $147, 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 Paphos and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos $56Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos $112Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Paphos 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos $14Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $42
- Blue Lagoon Pafos to Latchi, bus transfer+ Boat trip H/D: $42
- Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise from Paphos with Transfers: $30
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide, music & Paphos hotel transfers: $35
- Blue Lagoon trip with Transfer from Paphos including 1 hour swim : $45
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $46
- CO2-Offset Private Car Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis: $80
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City : $199
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $94
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Paphos 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 dayPaphos $77Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226
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.Paphos $14Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $22
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour : $24
- From Limassol Experience: $29
- Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $30
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $30
- Latchi Blue Lagoon Cruise: $36
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour: $41
- Turtle Watching Cruise,Snorkelling Adventure &Sunset: $41
- Yellow Submarine Swim Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $41
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos $12Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Cuenca, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Cuenca?
Paphos 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 Paphos or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Paphos is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 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 JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In October, Paphos is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 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 OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Paphos is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Cuenca. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the spring, Paphos is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 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 AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Paphos
| Paphos | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 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.