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

Should you visit Oslo or Cuenca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo 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: Oslo or Cuenca?

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Oslo?

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 Oslo is $150, 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 Oslo and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oslo $74
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oslo $148
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Oslo and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Oslo 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 Oslo


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: Oslo Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

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

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $154
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $170
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $125
  • Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $139
  • Oslo : Private Transfer to/from Gardermoen Airport to city: $211
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $260
  • Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $153
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $143
  • Oslo Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Oslo hotels: $143
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
  • Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $149

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 Oslo or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Oslo 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
    Oslo $52
    Cuenca $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Fjord-Style Dinner Cruise: $69
  • City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner: $114
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $151
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $154
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $162
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $165
  • Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner: $177

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.
    Oslo $15
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • Self Guided Tour in Oslo with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Intercultural Museum Entry Ticket: $6.07
  • Labour Museum Entry Ticket: $6.07
  • Vigeland Alien Threat in Oslo Exploration Game and Tour: $8.35
  • Oslo Viking Quest: Exploration Game and Tour: $8.66
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $8.99
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Oslo Museum: Frogner Manor Guided Tour: $12
  • Museum of Oslo and Theatre Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Oslo Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $15
  • Guided Walking Tour of Central Oslo with Local Guide: $16

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 day
    Oslo $9.13
    Cuenca $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • The Original Oslo Pub Crawl: $34


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


Which is Bigger, Oslo or Cuenca?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo or Cuenca?

Oslo 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 Oslo or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Cuenca. Many travelers come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Oslo is cooler than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oslo in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oslo 18°C (64°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Cuenca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Cuenca. Many visitors come to Oslo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

In October, Oslo is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around 7°C (45°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oslo usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oslo 7°C (45°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. Oslo can be very cold during winter. Oslo is much colder than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Oslo usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oslo -4°C (25°F) 
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Oslo or Cuenca in the Spring?

Both Cuenca and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oslo because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

In the spring, Oslo is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oslo in April average around 6°C (42°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Oslo usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oslo 6°C (42°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Oslo

Oslo Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)