Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Cuenca?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $178Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $178, 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 Tokyo and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $74Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $148Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (HND) Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $97
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Airport Transfer: Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $275
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $292
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $110
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $292
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $180
- Disney/Universal Studio/Harry Potter Warner Bros Transfer One way: $124
- Experience Private Transfer Between Yokohama and Tokyo: $129
- Haneda Airport (HND) Transfers: One-Way to Central Tokyo/Yokohama: $86
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to Hakone/Mount Fuji: $157
- Haneda Airport Private One Way Transfer To Center Tokyo: $110
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 Tokyo or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $63Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.07
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.07
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Meal at Airport$6.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $23
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $39
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Giant Sushi Cooking Class: Make a 1.5m Sushi Roll in Tokyo: $42
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $49
- Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
- [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $65
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
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $43
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Cuenca Table Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Cuenca Kitchens Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $59
- 4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $75
- 4h Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $86
- Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour from Cuenca): $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $66Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $1.12
- Tsukiji Fish Market Morning Tour Most Fresh Tuna Fish: $3.23
- Experience Japan’s Beloved Morning Exercise – Radio Taiso”!: $5.18
- Shibuya Night Walking Tour with a Local in Tokyo: $6.47
- Mt Fuji/Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Private Bus Tour: $6.47
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.76
- Hidden Yanaka & Nezu: Authentic Old Tokyo Escape – Walking Tour: $9.70
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Tokyo Hakone Kyoto Nara Osaka and Hiroshima AI Audio Tour: $11
- Shibuya Official Walking Tour– Max 8 Guests: $12
- TOKYO・Chiikawa Bakery Exploration with Shopping Ticket: $12
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
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- 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: $120
- Cacao Origins Gastronomic Tour Experience in Cuenca: $125
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $32Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.80
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $32
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Japanese Wine Tasting Experience (Not Sake) | Near Shibuya: $65
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Japanese Sake Brewery Day Tour: $84
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $91
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $91
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $104
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $104
- Saitama Seiun Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting: $130
- Saitama Matsuoka Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $130
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 Tokyo and Cuenca, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Cuenca?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Cuenca?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Cuenca. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 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 JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, 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.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 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 OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In the winter, Tokyo is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Tokyo usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Cuenca. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.