Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Riga?
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 Riga or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Riga 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: Riga or Cuenca?
Riga
Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.
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.
-
Riga Prices
Latvia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga $139Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is $139, 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 Riga and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRiga $59Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga $118Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Riga and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Riga 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: Riga Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga $11Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $123
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $72
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $161
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Pärnu City Tour: $680
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $494
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $448
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport (RIX): $59
- Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
- Private Transfer from Riga to Baltics: $265
- Private transfer Riga - Hill of Crosses - Riga: $135
- Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $72
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 Riga or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Riga 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 dayRiga $65Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Riga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:
-
Fast Food Lunch$6.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $127
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $128
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
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.
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga $16Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $8.23
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.22
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $12
- Old Town E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $12
- Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $12
- Old Riga E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide, 45 min: $12
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Stories and Legends ENG/DE/ESP: $12
- Top Panorama Cruise With Bar,WiFi and audioguide: $13
- Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
- Canal & River Electric Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $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
- Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class: $20
- Chocolate Sightseeing Tour with Hands-On Class: $20
- Cuenca electric scooter tour: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Walking Tour Through The Historic Center Of Cuenca: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Pumapungo Museum Guided Tour: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Rivers Bike Tour with Artisan Ice Cream Stop: $37
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cuenca Urban Adventure: Streets, Views & Local Stories: $41
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga $22Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Riga
Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $29
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $51
- Authentic Latvian Brewery Beer Tasting & Riga Highlight Tour: $51
- Pub Crawl for 50+ with Folk Clubs & Authentic Bars: $52
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $52
Sample the Local Flavors in Cuenca
Also in Cuenca, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cuenca Pub Crawl: Pub Crawl with Drinks and Free Club Entry: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Cuenca, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Riga or Cuenca?
Riga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga or Cuenca?
Riga 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 Riga or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Riga is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Riga usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyRiga 17°C (63°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Riga or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Cuenca. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRiga 7°C (45°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Riga or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryRiga -5°C (23°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Riga or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Riga is much colder than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Riga usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilRiga 5°C (42°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Riga
| Riga | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.