Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Alesund?
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 Alesund or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Alesund 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: Alesund or Cuenca?
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
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 Norway, The Best Contiki Tours to Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Alesund Prices
Norway PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlesund $133Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Alesund is $133, 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 Alesund and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlesund $58Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlesund $116Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Alesund and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Alesund 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: Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alesund $28Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
- Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
- Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
- Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
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 Alesund or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Alesund 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 dayAlesund $57Cuenca $26
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.Alesund $18Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
- Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
- Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $71
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
- Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
- Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $134
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
- Kayak Tour to the 7 sisters in Geiranger : $155
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 dayAlesund $13Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alesund and Cuenca, we can see that Alesund is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alesund or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Alesund 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 Alesund or Cuenca?
Alesund 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 Alesund or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alesund and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Alesund is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alesund in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In July, Alesund usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Alesund gets 86 mm (3.4 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 JulyAlesund 12°C (54°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Alesund as well as Cuenca. The autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In October, Alesund is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Alesund average around 9°C (48°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Alesund receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Alesund usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Alesund gets 188 mm (7.4 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 OctoberAlesund 9°C (48°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Alesund 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 Alesund 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. It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. Alesund is much colder than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Alesund averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
It's quite rainy in Alesund. In January, Alesund usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Alesund gets 131 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryAlesund 3°C (37°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Alesund or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Alesund during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. In the spring, Alesund is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alesund in April average around 5°C (40°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Alesund usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Alesund gets 81 mm (3.2 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 AprilAlesund 5°C (40°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Alesund
| Alesund | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 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.