A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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: Stockholm or Cuenca?

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of over 14 islands that are connected by countless bridges. Water is an integral part of the city, but so are parks and gardens. The city is covered in strategically positioned green space. Together, the water and parkland cover more than half of the city's area, giving this bustling city a breath of fresh air.

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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Stockholm?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $224, 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 Stockholm and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $110
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $220
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm 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.

Hotels in Stockholm


Hotels in Cuenca


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: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $23
    Cuenca $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport(ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport 1-7 Passengers: $211
  • Airport Transfer By Business Class - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City: $204
  • Airport Transfer By Business Van - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City : $263
  • Airport Transfer: Stockholm to Airport ARN by Business Car: $147
  • Airport Transfer: Stockholm to Airport ARN by Luxury Car: $226
  • Airport Transfer: Stockholm to Airport ARN by Luxury Van: $156
  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $19
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bromma Airport BMA to Stockholm City by Business Car: $147
  • Departure Private Transfer Stockholm City to Bromma Airport BMA by Business Car: $135
  • Departure Private Transfer Stockholm City to Bromma Airport BMA by Luxury Van: $145
  • Departure Private Transfer Stockholm City to Stockholm Airport ARN by Luxury Van: $170

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:


  • 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 Stockholm or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Stockholm 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stockholm $71
    Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.

  • Boat Trip to Exe Ericson Mural & Pizza: $21
  • City Cruise with Fresh Pizza: $32
  • Stockholm Pizza Cruise - Explore Stockholm's Waterways: $32
  • Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
  • Hard Rock Cafe Stockholm Lunch or Dinner: $40
  • Food Tour: $117
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $120
  • Secret Walking Food Tour Stockholm Old Town: $124
  • Stockholm Small Group Food Tour with 7 Classic Food Tastings: $149
  • From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $154
  • Evening Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner from Stockholm: $158
  • Stockholm Dinner Experience: $164

Typical Food Prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:


  • Lunch
    $10
  • Snacks
    $5.00
  • Empanada
    $1.50
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $29
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stockholm Secret Treasures A Self Guided Nordic Adventure: $3.58
  • Self Guided Tours Stockholm With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.58
  • Walking Tour of Stockholm's City Center: $3.58
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.38
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.44
  • Stockholm Troll Hunt: Self-Guided Old Town Adventure: $7.17
  • From Stockholm with Love: Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Stockholm Ghost Hunt: Self-Guided Tour and Puzzle Adventure: $7.17
  • History and Secrets of Gamla Stan Audio GPS Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Modern City: $7.99
  • Stockholm Interactive City Tour: $8.38
  • The Stockholm Witch Trials: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour Game: $8.63

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $30
    Cuenca $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Stockholm's Best Pub Crawl: $27
  • The Original Pub Crawl: $27
  • Stockholm New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl: $95
  • Private Pub Crawl Stockholm With VIP Entry: $211
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $335


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Cuenca, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Stockholm 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Cuenca?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Cuenca?

Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Cuenca in the Summer?

Both Cuenca and Stockholm 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 Stockholm this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Stockholm is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm 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.

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Stockholm usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Cuenca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Cuenca. Many visitors come to Stockholm 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. Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Stockholm is much colder than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Stockholm

Stockholm Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)