Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Saaremaa?
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 Saaremaa or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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: Saaremaa or Cuenca?
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.
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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Saaremaa Prices
Estonia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaaremaa $146Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is $146, 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 Saaremaa and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaaremaa $41Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaaremaa $82Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saaremaa $54Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:
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Rental Car and Gas for a Day$39
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 to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Shared transfer from Airport to Hotel: $50
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Saaremaa 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 daySaaremaa $72Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:
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Salmon$1.46
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.
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saaremaa $24Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class: $20
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $105
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $105
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $150
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
- Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaaremaa $13Cuenca $14
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 Saaremaa and Cuenca, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Cuenca?
Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Cuenca. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In July, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Saaremaa usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaaremaa 17°C (62°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Saaremaa is cooler than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaaremaa 8°C (47°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Saaremaa usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaaremaa -3°C (27°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Cuenca. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaaremaa 4°C (38°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Saaremaa
| Saaremaa | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (26°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (38°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.