Which place is cheaper, Quito or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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: Bilbao or Quito?
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Bilbao Prices
Spain PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao $184Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is $184, 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 Bilbao and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao $79Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao $158Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao 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: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bilbao $28Quito $6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $91
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $51
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $53
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $74
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $99
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $78
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $91
- Private One way Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Bilbao: $35
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 in Quito: $30
- Airport Transfer- Hotel in Quito 1 Way: $42
- Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $124
- Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $95
- From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $119
- From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $169
- Guayaquil to Guayaquil Airport GYE Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Mariscal Sucre Airport to and from Quito Hotels Private Transfer : $45
- Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Quito - One Way: $21
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
- Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito : $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Bilbao 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 dayBilbao $84Quito $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $96
- The High End Bilbao Food Tour for Foodies: $97
- Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $101
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $103
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $103
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $116
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $116
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $119
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $142
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $151
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: $29
- Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $55
- Quito Cooking Class Shared Experience: $59
- Ecuador Food Tour: $69
- 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: $89
- Quito after-dark street food tour : $90
- Tour Quito with Cooking Class with Professional Chef: $95
- Afternoon Coffee in Quito - Foodie Tour with empanada cooking class: $110
- Quito Private Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bilbao $31Quito $16
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30-Minute Entry Ticket to a Cat Café: $7.96
- Year of Love in Quest Experience: $9.28
- Vitoria-Gasteiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
- Bilbao (Monumental) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
- Bilbao Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $11
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $16
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao night tour: $23
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-Entry to Heaven's Gateway The Basilica Towers!: $7.99
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
- Quito Walking Experience Tour with Activities: $25
- Explore Old Town Sightseeing, Food, Culture Small Group Walking Tour: $29
- Walking Tour Quito: $30
- Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
- Quito : Must-see Sites Walking Tour With A Guide: $31
- Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $32
- Middle of the World and Volcano Tour: $33
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao $23Quito $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $56
- Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $57
- Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $57
- From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $85
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $97
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $188
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $191
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $199
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $231
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $279
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $279
- From Private San Sebastian, Pintxo, and Wine Tour: $281
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Quito
Also in Quito, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-day tour to high altitude vineyards and wine tasting: $45
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Quito, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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.