Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Salzburg?
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 Salzburg or Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg 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: Salzburg or Cuenca?
Salzburg
Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.
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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Salzburg Prices
Austria PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalzburg $217Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is $217, 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 Salzburg and Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalzburg $107Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalzburg $214Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Salzburg 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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salzburg $23Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:
- Airport Transfer: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg by Luxury Car: $118
- Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $99
- Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $102
- Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $99
- From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $277
- Hallstatt daytrip: Transfer to Hallstatt + Salzburg and back: $523
- Private Salzburg transfer : $239
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver : $200
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Munich: $245
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Salzburg, English Speaking Driver: $202
- Private Transfer Salzburg → Munich, Hotel-to-Hotel, English-speaking driver: $277
- Private Transfer between Salzburg Airport and Salzburg City: $72
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 Salzburg or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Salzburg 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 daySalzburg $84Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg
Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:
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Lunch Salad$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.
- Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $69
- Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $69
- Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $94
- Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $101
- Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $129
- Sound of Music Tour with Edelweiss Cooking Class in Salzburg: $149
- Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $153
- Private Knödel (Austrian Dumplings) Cooking Class with a Chef: $178
- Private Artisanal Charcuterie "Marende" Cooking Class with a Chef: $274
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.Salzburg $35Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Salzburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:
- Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.77
- Salzburg Music, Myths and Baroque Beauty Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.94
- Zell am See Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Mozart's Salzburg Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Salzburg Uncovered: Your Self Guided Adventure: $8.34
- A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $12
- Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour: $12
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Stiegl Brauwelt Museum ticket: $17
- Fun & mobile puzzle rally tour in Mozart's footsteps through Salzburg: $26
- Fun & mobile puzzle rally tour through Salzburg: $31
- Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens: $39
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 daySalzburg $31Cuenca $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:
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Beer$4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:
- Salzburg Brewery Tour: $60
- Cheers to Beer &Wine Tasting with local Food Pairing: $95
- Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $204
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Cuenca, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Cuenca?
Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Cuenca?
Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Cuenca. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Salzburg is generally cooler than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 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 JulySalzburg 20°C (68°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Cuenca. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Salzburg is around the same temperature as Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Salzburg usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 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 OctoberSalzburg 11°C (52°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Salzburg 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. Salzburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JanuarySalzburg -0°C (31°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Salzburg or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Salzburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In April, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Cuenca. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 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 AprilSalzburg 11°C (51°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Salzburg
| Salzburg | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (35°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.