Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
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 Nadi (Port Denarau) or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nadi (Port Denarau) 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: Nadi (Port Denarau) or Cuenca?
Nadi (Port Denarau)
Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.
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 Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Nadi (Port Denarau) Prices
Fiji PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNadi (Port Denarau) $198Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $198, 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNadi (Port Denarau) $106Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNadi (Port Denarau) $212Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Nadi (Port Denarau) and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Nadi (Port Denarau) 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: Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.81Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):
- Shared Shuttle Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport/ Port to Hotel: $9.15
- Arrival Shared Transfer : Airport to Hotel: $35
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to All Denarau Hotels: $14
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort: $34
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Port Denarau Marina: $15
- CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Shangri-La Fijian Resort: $37
- CFC APPROVED Private Departure Transfer - Fiji Marriott Resort, to Nadi Airport: $30
- CFC APPROVED Private Roundtrip Transfer -Nadi Airport to All Maui Bay Properties: $71
- CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Doubletree Resort : $23
- CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Fiji Marriott Resort: $27
- CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Maui Bay Properties: $44
- CFC Approved Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to Outrigger & Bedarra Inn: $41
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 Nadi (Port Denarau) or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 dayNadi (Port Denarau) $69Cuenca $26
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.Nadi (Port Denarau) $32Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:
- Nadi Sightseeing Including Viseisei Lookout, Village Tour, Garden & Temple Tour: $70
- Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool Tour: $73
- Shore Excursion-Wonders of Nadi Sightseeing Tour-Temple,Gardens,Markets&Shopping: $77
- Coral Coast Sightseeing & Pottery Village Tour: $80
- Cultural Night Tour: $80
- Nadi Therapeutic Mud Pools and Garden Tour - Shore Excursions EX PORT DENARAU: $82
- Nadi Heritage Tour : $82
- Authentic Fijian Day Tour: $83
- Fiji Lautoka Shore Excursions Tour : $92
- Coral Coast Heritage Tour : $99
- Nadi Sightseeing & Mud Pool Tour - Ex Fiji Marriott, Momi Bay: $100
- Biausevu Waterfall Tour (Sigatoka) : $100
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 dayNadi (Port Denarau) $11Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nadi (Port Denarau) and Cuenca, we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Nadi (Port Denarau) 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.
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.