Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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: Bangkok or Cuenca?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Bangkok Prices
Thailand PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBangkok $105Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $105, 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 Bangkok and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $50Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $100Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $6.57Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
-
Skytrain Ticket$5.02
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
-
Ferry Ride$0.82
-
Taxi From Airport$7.85
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.83
-
Boat Taxi$1.57
-
Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Affordable Bangkok Airport Transfer: $22
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Bangkok City: $33
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar : $45
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer to or from Hotel in Bangkok (Private Transport): $58
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $107
- Airport transfer to Bangkok downtown: $26
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Trat/ Koh Chang: $135
- Arrival Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok City by Sedan: $71
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
- Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
-
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 Bangkok or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Bangkok 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBangkok $36Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
-
Pad Thai$2.20
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
-
Lunch$10
-
Snacks$5.00
-
Empanada$1.50
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $18Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$5.02
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
-
Club Cover Charge$12
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
-
Fish Pedicure$4.71
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.00
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Bangkok's Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bangkok City Session Walking Tour: $8.18
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour (entry not incl.): $9.00
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.66
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $10
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $10
- Half Day Coral Island Tour from Pattaya With Lunch: $11
- Erawan Museum at Bangkok Admission Ticket: $13
- Explore Brilliant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $14
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.65Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Cuenca, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Cuenca?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 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. Bangkok is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Cuenca. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.