Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Bergen?
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 Bergen or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bergen 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: Bergen or Cuenca?
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Bergen Prices
Norway PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBergen $144Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, 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 Bergen and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBergen $74Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBergen $148Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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: Bergen Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bergen $11Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $114
- Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $115
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $115
- BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $125
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
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 Bergen or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Bergen 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 dayBergen $58Cuenca $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
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.Bergen $18Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
- Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
- Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25
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 dayBergen $7.56Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Cuenca, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bergen or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Cuenca?
Bergen 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 Bergen or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 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 JulyBergen 15°C (58°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Cuenca. The autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Bergen is cooler than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 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 OctoberBergen 9°C (48°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen in the winter. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 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 JanuaryBergen 2°C (35°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Bergen or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Bergen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 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 AprilBergen 6°C (43°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Bergen
| Bergen | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.