Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Zurich?
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 Zurich or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Cuenca. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zurich or Cuenca?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $364Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, 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 Zurich and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $197Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $394Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $41Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $107
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $117
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $117
- From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $361
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $450
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $285
- Private Executive Transfers in Zurich Airport and Zurich City: $217
- Private Luxury Transfers ZRH Airport to Zurich City in V Class: $168
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
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 Zurich or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Zurich 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 dayZurich $124Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
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.Zurich $41Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
- Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
- Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
- Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19
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 dayZurich $34Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
- Pub Crawl Zurich: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Cuenca, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Cuenca?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Cuenca?
Zurich 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 Zurich or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Cuenca. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Zurich is around the same temperature as Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 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 JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Cuenca. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 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 OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 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 JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Zurich is a little warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 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 AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Zurich
| Zurich | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.