Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca?
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Rio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRio de Janeiro $115Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $115, 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 Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRio de Janeiro $64Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRio de Janeiro $128Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Rio de Janeiro 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rio de Janeiro $7.65Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
- Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
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 Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro 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 dayRio de Janeiro $34Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Popcorn$0.56
-
Corn on the Cob$0.75
-
Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
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.
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rio de Janeiro $21Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Rocinha Local Tour: $19
- Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
- Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
- Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
- Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRio de Janeiro $12Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Rio de Janeiro is generally a little warmer than Cuencain July. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 25°C (77°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rio de Janeiro is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F)in January.
In July, Rio de Janeiro usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In October, Rio de Janeiro is generally much warmer than Cuencain April. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 23°C (73°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.