A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berlin vs. Cuenca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Berlin or Cuenca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Cuenca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Berlin or Cuenca?

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Berlin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is $205, 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 Berlin and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin $75
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin $150
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Berlin 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.

Hotels in Berlin


Hotels in Cuenca


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: Berlin Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin $21
    Cuenca $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.64
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.52
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $165
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $159
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $165
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $130
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $120
  • Berlin Private Airport/Hotels Transfer Service | English Speaking: $163
  • Berlin Private Transfer from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City centre: $110
  • Berlin Private Transfer to/from Berlin Brandenburg Airport: $57
  • Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) - Departure Transfer: $81
  • Berlin to Prague Private Transfer: $587

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 to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
  • Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Berlin 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 day
    Berlin $105
    Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.87
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.35
  • Currywurst
    $2.35
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $11
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $70
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $13
  • Coffees at Impala
    $9.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $39
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $84
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $85
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free Dinner Experience: $88
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $92
  • Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $93
  • Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Vegetarian Berlin Food Tour Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $93
  • True Berlin Street Food Tour – Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $98
  • Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $102

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.
    Berlin $26
    Cuenca $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $23

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Rude Walking Tour: $3.52
  • Self Guided Tours Berlin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.58
  • Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Berlin Highlights Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Berlin's Museum Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Berlin Wall: Greatest Escapes Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $5.96
  • The Dönerkebab's History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Third Reich Quest Experience in Berlin: $7.16
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Berlin's Jewish Quarter: $7.99
  • Berlin Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35

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
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin $19
    Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl: $24
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $24
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Berlin Shots and Party: $30
  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $76
  • Culinary Journey and Wine Tasting in Kerstin's Wine Kitchen: $78
  • New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl with Open Bar in Berlin: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Cuenca, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Cuenca?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin or Cuenca?

Berlin 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 Berlin or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Cuenca. Many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Berlin is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Berlin usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berlin 19°C (66°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Berlin is cooler than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berlin in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Cuenca. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berlin 10°C (50°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Berlin can be very cold during winter. In January, Berlin is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around -0°C (31°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Berlin usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berlin -0°C (31°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Cuenca. The spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Berlin is cooler than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Berlin usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berlin 9°C (47°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Berlin

Berlin Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)