Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Alexandria?
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 Alexandria or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alexandria and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Cuenca?
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Alexandria Prices
Egypt PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $29Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $29, 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 Alexandria and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $11Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $22Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $3.92Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $29
- Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $25
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $36
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $94
- Pickup Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Alexandria Hotel: $50
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $24
- Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Borg El Arab Airport: $24
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Cruise Port to Cairo City Hotels: $230
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 Alexandria or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $15Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
- Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
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.Alexandria $5.47Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city : $20
- Private Day Tour National Museum & Roman Theater & Catacomb In Alexandria: $27
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $30
- Alexandria Group Tour from Cairo : $30
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride : $35
- Guided City Walking Tour: $35
- Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
- Alexandria Half day Tour: $35
- Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35
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 dayAlexandria $1.48Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Cuenca, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca than you might in Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Cuenca?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Cuenca. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Cuenca. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 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.