A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Quito for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Quito?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Quito? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bordeaux or Quito?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

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 Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux is $177, 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 Bordeaux and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bordeaux $72
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bordeaux $144
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux 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.

Hotels in Bordeaux


Hotels in Quito


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: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bordeaux $18
    Quito $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Airport to Bordeaux Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $147
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $80
  • Bordeaux : Private transfer to/from Mérignac Airport: $99
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Luxury Car: $147
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $111
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Car: $147
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $117
  • Bordeaux Mérignac Airport (BOD) Private Transfer to Bordeaux: $81
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $159
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Van Business: $253
  • Private Transfer Service: $116
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Business Car: $111

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:


  • 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: $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: $129
  • From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $169
  • Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Minibus Departure Transfer from Quito City to Quito Airport UIO: $134
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Quito - One Way: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
  • Private Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel : $57
  • Private Transfer from Quito Airport : $30
  • Private Transfer from or to Quito Airport (one way): $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Bordeaux 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
    Bordeaux $89
    Quito $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

  • Bordeaux food tour: sweet specialities & highlights: $25
  • Chocolate & Pastries Food Tour | 6+ Tastings: $57
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $64
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour with local delicacies: $68
  • Afternoon Food Tour in Bordeaux : Local delicacies : $69
  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $72
  • Market Food Tour all inclusive food & drinks: $72
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $73
  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Bordeaux center !: $74
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Bordeaux Food Tour – A Full French Meal by Do Eat Better: $105
  • Organic : Bordeaux Food Tour: $114

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
  • Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $45
  • Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $55
  • Quito Cooking Class Shared Experience: $59
  • From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
  • Ecuador Food Tour: $69
  • Authentic Andean Cooking Class in Quito : $85
  • 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
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bordeaux $25
    Quito $16

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Free Walking of Tour Bordeaux - Pay as you Wish Tour: $1.17
  • Free Walking Bordeaux Tour + 1 glass of Bordeaux wine included : $1.77
  • Bordeaux Guided Walking Tour in English: $3.52
  • Secrets of Bordeaux Self Guided Tour: $3.52
  • The Top-Rated Bordeaux Walking Tour - Tips Based: $3.53
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.71
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.67
  • Bordeaux Old Town Secrets: Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $7.64
  • The Best of Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Bordeaux Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.41
  • Bordeaux Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito

Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • 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:

  • Middle of the World shuttle Tour: $14
  • 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
  • Quito Walking Experience Tour with Activities: $25
  • Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $28
  • Explore Old Town Sightseeing, Food, Culture Small Group Walking Tour: $29
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
  • Quito : Must-see Sites Walking Tour With A Guide: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $35
  • Middle of the World Tour with entrances every day: $35
  • Chocolate Tour, Historic Center and El Panecillo: $35
  • Middle of the World and Volcano Tour: $35
  • Mitad del Mundo daily tour with 3 stops and local guide: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bordeaux $29
    Quito $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $14
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $14
  • Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $17
  • Château Olivier: One Hour Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $22
  • Cité du Vin Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $25
  • International Pub Crawl, Free Shots & Games: $29
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $29
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $32
  • Unusual wine tasting in DARWIN (Bordeaux)!: $33
  • Bordeaux wine tasting workshop with refined food pairings: $40
  • Chateau du Taillan and Park including Wine Tasting Tour: $47
  • Guided Bordeaux Wine Tasting Class with 6 Wines: $52

Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:


  • 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 Bordeaux and Quito, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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.