Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Rio de Janeiro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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 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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Rio de Janeiro is $105, 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 Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca in more detail.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
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?.
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.
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.
Both Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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.
Both Cuenca and Rio de Janeiro during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Cuenca. 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.
The spring brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Cuenca. 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.
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) |