Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Auckland?
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 Auckland 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 Auckland and Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Cuenca?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, 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 Auckland and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.47
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $81
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cruise Ship Terminal : $120
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Airport AKL by Business Car: $90
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
- Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Car: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $115
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer (Individuals and Groups): $109
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $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 to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $46Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
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.Auckland $27Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27
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
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Cuenca $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Cuenca, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Cuenca?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Cuenca?
Auckland 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 Auckland or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Auckland is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.
Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Cuencain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Auckland is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Cuencain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Cuenca. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In July, Auckland is generally much warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Cuencain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Auckland is a little warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.
In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Cuencain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Auckland
| Auckland | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°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.