Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Saint John's?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint John's or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint John's 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: Saint John's or Cuenca?
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint John's $222Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint John's is $222, 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 Saint John's and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint John's $120Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint John's $240Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Saint John's and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Saint John's 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.Saint John's $17Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- 3-Hours Snorkeling Activity in Stingray City - Transfer Included: $128
- 3-Hours Stingray City - Transfer, Spanish-Italian Guide Included: $155
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $59
- Airport Transfers to Antigua Hotels/Resorts: $170
- Antigua - VIP Fast Track On Arrival ONLY And Round Trip Transfer : $99
- Antigua V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to Island - Round-Trip Transfer : $155
- Antigua VC Bird Airport to Island Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $82
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $77
- Antigua&BarbudaV.C.Bird Airport(ANU)to island hotels-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $254
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $77
- JTAT Private Transfers & Tours, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda: $160
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:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
- Shared transfer from Hotel to Airport in Cuenca: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint John's or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Saint John's 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 daySaint John's $68Cuenca $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
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
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint John's $103Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- 2-Hours Stingray City Experience in Antigua: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Shared Tour: $25
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cuenca City Tour: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint John's $18Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint John's and Cuenca, we can see that Saint John's is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint John's or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Saint John's 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 Saint John's or Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Saint John's or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Saint John's are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. In July, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Saint John's gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Saint John's is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint John's 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Saint John's during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. Saint John's usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Saint John's gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Saint John's is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint John's in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint John's 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint John's and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Saint John's usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Saint John's gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In January, Saint John's is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Saint John's average around 24°C (76°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint John's 24°C (76°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Saint John's or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint John's as well as Cuenca. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the spring. Saint John's usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Saint John's gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Saint John's is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint John's averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint John's 26°C (78°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Saint John's
| Saint John's | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.