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

Should you visit Tromso or Cuenca?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Cuenca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Tromso or Cuenca?

Tromso

The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Tromso?

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 Tromso is $83, 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 Tromso and Cuenca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tromso $32
    Cuenca $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tromso $64
    Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Tromso and Cuenca

Looking for a hotel in Tromso 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 Tromso


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: Tromso Hotel Prices and Cuenca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tromso $11
    Cuenca $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso

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

  • Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
  • Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
  • Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123

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 Tromso or Cuenca?

Prices for flights to both Cuenca and Tromso 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
    Tromso $43
    Cuenca $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso

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

  • 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
  • Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
  • Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205

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.
    Tromso $6.59
    Cuenca $16

Tours and Activities in Tromso

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

  • Cod Tasting experience, Norwegian history and Food culture: $61
  • Mid-Day Polar Expedition Cruise Tour: $82
  • Tromsø: Northern Lights Adventure with Free Photos: $86
  • 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
  • 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
  • 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
  • Northern Lights Walking Tour: $123
  • Northern Lights Tour in Tromso : $123
  • Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $129
  • Tromsø: Kvaløya & Sommarøy Guided Fjord Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Aurora tour: $134
  • Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139

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
    Tromso $5.47
    Cuenca $14


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


Which is Bigger, Tromso or Cuenca?

Cuenca has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso or Cuenca?

Tromso 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 Tromso or Cuenca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Cuenca. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

In July, Tromso is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 12°C (54°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Tromso usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tromso 12°C (54°F) 
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Tromso or Cuenca in the Autumn?

Both Cuenca and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 Tromso. Tromso is much colder than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 3°C (37°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Tromso. In October, Tromso usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tromso 3°C (37°F) 
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Tromso or Cuenca in the Winter?

Both Cuenca and Tromso during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.

Cuenca can be very cold during winter. Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tromso is much colder than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tromso in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Tromso usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tromso or Cuenca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Cuenca. Most visitors come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tromso can be very cold during spring. In April, Tromso is generally much colder than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 1°C (33°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Tromso usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tromso 1°C (33°F) 
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cuenca and Tromso

Tromso Cuenca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 1°C (33°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 3°C (37°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov -1°C (31°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec -3°C (27°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)