Which place is cheaper, Quito or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Amsterdam or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Quito, 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: Amsterdam or Quito?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Quito
Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.
Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.
Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam $187Quito $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is $187, while the average daily cost in Quito is $52. 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 Amsterdam and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam $109Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam $218Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Quito? 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam $21Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.43
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Renting a Bike$16
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One Hour Canal Cruise$11
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Single Day Transit Pass$2.79
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1 - 15 persons Minibus Amsterdam City transfer: $120
- 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoek van Holland: $199
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $273
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Alkmaar: $155
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $155
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Amersfoort: $199
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Den Helder: $255
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Dordrecht: $288
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoorn: $183
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to IJmuiden: $122
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Noordwijk: $127
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $246
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:
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Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:
- Airport Transfer- Hotel in Quito 1 Way: $55
- Express Transfer: Mariscal Sucre Airport to Quito: $34
- From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $119
- From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $145
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
- Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
- Private Transfer IN or OUT Hotel-Aiport Quito or Aiport-Hotel : $25
- Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito : $60
- Private Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel : $57
- Private Transfer from Quito Airport : $25
- Private Transfer from Quito to Baños or Baños to Quito (one way): $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam $47Quito $20
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.
- Old Town Highlights & Food Tour: $35
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $39
- Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
- Cooking class In-home space: $75
- Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95
- Ecuadorian Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $114
- Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120
- Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $130
- Quito Private & All Inclusive Cooking Class with Certified Chef: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam $40Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.43
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$18
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.08
- Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.08
- Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.71
- The Amsterdam Walking Tour 2 hours: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.23
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.23
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.23
- Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
- Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.26
- Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito
Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two$8.00
Tours and Activities in Quito
Here are a few actual costs in Quito for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Skip the Line: La Compañia Church Admission Ticket: $5.50
- Skip the Line: Capilla del Hombre and Guayasamin's Museum Ticket: $10
- Middle of the World shuttle Tour: $14
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at La Ronda Street: $15
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
- Middle of the World Tour with Tickets: $19
- Quito at Night & Urban Legends Tour : $20
- 1914 Original Trolley City Tour: $20
- Pululuahua Reserve & Museo del Sol Tour - "Small Group": $20
- Intiñan Museum Small-Group Tour: $25
- Guided City Tour with Tastings and Box Lunch: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam $25Quito $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:
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Beers for Two$9.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Quito, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Quito 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 Quito would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quito 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Quito.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Quito, 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.