Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar or Cuenca?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, 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 Zanzibar and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar : $25
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- Discover Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant W/ Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Explore Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant with Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
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 Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $30Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
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
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Cuenca, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Cuenca?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Cuenca can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Cuenca. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.