Which place is cheaper, Quito or Athens?
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 Athens or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Quito. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Quito?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens $176Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is $176, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Athens and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens $72Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens $144Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Athens and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens $31Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two$7.32
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Metro$1.71
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Metro$2.29
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Metro from Airport to City Center$9.14
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Taxi from Airport$40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- "Quick Athens Highlights Tour: Airport or Cruise ship Transfers": $269
- AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ): $33
- ATHENS CENTER: Transfer From/To Airport Athens: $78
- ATHENS HOTEL transfer to/from Piraeus Cruise Port (up to 14 pax): $256
- Accessible Private Transfer WAV from Athens Airport to Port Rafina: $45
- Aegean Wonders Santorini Transfers: $32
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $73
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $92
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $127
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $127
- Airport transfer: $198
- Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $50
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:
- From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $166
- Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $137
- Transfer In & Out from Quito: $130
- From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $129
- Panoramic City Tour & Airport Departure Transfer: $114
- Middle of the World Tour with Airport Transfer: $114
- Airport Transfer and City Highlights Tour: $114
- Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer: $89
- Transfer Quito → Papallacta (one way / round trip): $85
- Private Transfer from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa (one way): $80
- Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way): $75
- Private Transfer from Quito Airport to Hotels in Quito: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Athens 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 dayAthens $74Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream$3.43
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Souvlaki$2.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $49
- Ancient Roman and Greek Dinner With Ancient Wine Styles: $65
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $69
- Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $76
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $76
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $79
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $80
- Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $81
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $82
- Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $82
- Cook Like a Greek in Athens Hands On Cooking Class with Wine: $83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.
- Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tasting and Cooking Class in Quito: $12
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $38
- Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
- From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
- The Delicious Side of Quito Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $71
- Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $79
- Hidden Gems Food Tour with Cacao Tasting and Culture: $87
- Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
- Ecuadorian Cooking Class with a chef and Local Market: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens $41Quito $16
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.94
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.16
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.31
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.31
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $9.99
- Athens Stream Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $10
- Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth Tour: $12
- Hellenic Motor Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Athens Maria Callas Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Athens Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $15
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:
- 2 day 1 night tour to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon all included: $280
- 3-Day Adventure: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Jungle: $897
- 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños: $239
- 3-Day Antisana & Amazon comunities, Caves, Baños Guided Tour: $734
- 6-Day Ecuador Heritage Tour: Art, Culture and Otavalo: $1,847
- Amazon Adventure: 4 Days of Nature & Culture from Quito: $1,770
- Antisana Birding Tours to see CONDORS - by Richard Hernandez: $185
- Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $210
- Antisana Volcano Condor Birdwatching Private Experience: $90
- Antisana Volcano Private Day Tour from Quito: $266
- Antisana volcano private tour; birding and hike in the Andes: $130
- Authentic Cloud Forest Experience: $299
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens $26Quito $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $11
- Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $16
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Athens Rooftop Pub Crawl w/ Acropolis Views & Party: $41
- Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $47
- Greek Wine Tasting and Pairing in Chalandri: $47
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store: $65
- Athens by Night Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $76
- Athens Olive oil Honey and Wine Tasting with Snacks Experience: $80
- 3-Hour Shared Greek Wine Tasting: $105
- Wine tasting tour of Athens Greece: $123
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 Athens and Quito, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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.