Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Zadar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zadar or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Zadar 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: Zadar or Cuenca?
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Zadar Prices
Croatia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZadar $129Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Zadar is $129, 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 Zadar and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZadar $60Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZadar $120Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Zadar and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Zadar 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: Zadar Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zadar $11Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- Hiking experience on the Krupa River : incl. transfer & lunch: $154
- Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
- Privat transfer to Novalja: $157
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $106
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
- Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239
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 Zadar or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Zadar 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 dayZadar $57Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
- Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239
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.Zadar $23Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
- A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
- Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
- Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
- Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
- Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
- Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
- Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
- 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
- Island half day tour : $25
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 dayZadar $14Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
- Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
- City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
- City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zadar and Cuenca, we can see that Zadar is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zadar 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 Zadar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zadar 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 Zadar Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zadar or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zadar 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 Zadar or Cuenca?
Zadar 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 Zadar or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zadar and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Zadar is a little warmer than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Zadar usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zadar gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZadar 26°C (80°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zadar as well as Cuenca. The autumn months attract visitors to Zadar because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the autumn, Zadar is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zadar in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Zadar usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Zadar gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZadar 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Zadar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zadar this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In January, Zadar is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Zadar average around 8°C (47°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Zadar usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zadar gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZadar 8°C (47°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zadar or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Zadar during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Zadar is a little warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Zadar averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Zadar usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Zadar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZadar 15°C (59°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Zadar
| Zadar | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.