Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Rome?
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 Rome 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 Rome 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: Rome or Cuenca?
Rome
Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.
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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Rome Prices
Italy PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome $243Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is $243, 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 Rome and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome $106Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome $212Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Rome and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Rome 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: Rome Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome $25Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.35
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Train to the Airport$18
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Taxi to Airport$53
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Private Airport Transfer in Rome: $134
- Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $227
- Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $179
- Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $142
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Ciampino Airport CIA by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Business Car: $125
- Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $251
- Appian Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfere: $75
- Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $268
- Arrival in Seamless Private Hotel Transfer: $88
- Bus Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City: $7.17
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 Rome or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Rome 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 dayRome $98Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.51
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Cafe e doce$4.69
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.11
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$37
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Cheese and bread$12
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Espresso$2.35
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Dinner$68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $35
- Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $35
- Vatican Street Food Tour around the Biggest Fresh Market in Rome: $35
- Street Food tour : Eat like a real local: $40
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $42
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $47
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $52
- Trastevere Ultimate Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $52
- Trastevere & Campo de' Fiori Street Food Tour, Eat Like a Local: $53
- Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $53
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.Rome $42Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$81
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$39
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Roma Pass$35
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$88
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rome and Tuscany Secret Treasures Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.17
- Vatican Night Tour: $4.54
- Pantheon Entry Ticket or Guided Tour options: $4.78
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Night Walking Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Tour of Rome to Visit the Most Iconic Monuments: $5.00
- Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome: $5.38
- Rome Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.84
- Rome Empress Mystery: Self-Guided Adventure Game: $5.96
- Rome Kid Quest Restore the Senses Self Guided Adventure: $5.96
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 dayRome $21Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.63
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Pint of Beer$7.44
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Beer$12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $33
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $35
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $39
- Tour of Rome with wine tasting: $54
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $54
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $59
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $60
- Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $60
- EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $72
- Wine Tour in Romes Historic center: $82
- Devour Rome Food & Wine Tour of Trastevere: $84
- The greatest wine tour of Rome: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Cuenca, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Cuenca?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome or Cuenca?
Rome 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 Rome or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Rome is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Rome usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 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 JulyRome 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Rome or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Rome during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Rome is a little warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Rome usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 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 OctoberRome 17°C (63°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Rome or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Rome 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, Rome is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Rome usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 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 JanuaryRome 8°C (47°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Rome or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rome as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In April, Rome is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Rome usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Rome gets 50 mm (2 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 AprilRome 14°C (57°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Rome
| Rome | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.