Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Cuenca?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Cuenca $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
- Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
- Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $16
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $157
- Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
- Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $78
- Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $97
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $299
- One Way transfer : Salvador airport to/ from Salvador da Bahia : $43
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
- Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $28
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Cuenca $15
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $113
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $130
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $150
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
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
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador, Vitória & Barra: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Salvador, Pelourinho: Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $7.87
- Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $13
- Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Panoramic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
- Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $22
- Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo: $24
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $25
- Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
- Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $25
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 Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $30
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Private Cuenca City Tour including Turi Viewpoint: $40
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Experience Historical City Tour: $44
- Cuenca Heritage Complex: Chocolate Tasting, Tour and Museums: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Cuenca, Ecuador Half-Day City Tour: $46
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
Sample the Local Flavors in Salvador
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salvador:
- Tropical Night Samba Drinks Pub crawl in Salvador: $105
When comparing the travel costs between Salvador and Cuenca, we can see that Salvador is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Cuenca?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Cuenca?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Salvador 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, Salvador is generally a little warmer than Cuencain July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In January, Salvador usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 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 January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Salvador during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Salvador is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 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 April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Cuenca. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Salvador is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F)in January.
Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Salvador usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 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 July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Cuenca. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In October, Salvador is generally much warmer than Cuencain April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the spring. Salvador usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 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 October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Salvador
| Salvador | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.