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

Should you visit Dublin or Quito?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin 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: Dublin or Quito?

Dublin

Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.

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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Dublin?

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 Dublin is $204, 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 Dublin and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dublin $78
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dublin $156
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Dublin and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Dublin 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 Dublin


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: Dublin Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dublin $22
    Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

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


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • 1 to 8 People Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to City Centre: $88
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin airport DUB to Dublin: $111
  • Arrival Transfer Dublin Airport to Dublin City by Van or Car: $132
  • Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $184
  • Departure Transfer Dublin to Dublin Airport by Van or Car: $132
  • Driven by Excellence , Defined by Prestige Wheels Transfers: $93
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Tankardstown House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $225
  • Dublin Airport Temple Bar Dublin City Private Car MPV Transfer: $188
  • Dublin Airport To Conrad Hotel Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $193
  • Dublin Airport To Druid Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Private Chauffeur Transfer: $283
  • Dublin Airport To Hotel Riu Plaza The Grasham Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $193
  • Dublin Airport To The Croke Park Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $193

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:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $137
  • Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $105
  • Custom Transfers Across Ecuador (quote required): $30
  • From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $129
  • From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $166
  • 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 Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
  • Private Premium Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel: $63
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $65
  • Private Transfer Quito: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Dublin or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Dublin 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
    Dublin $97
    Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

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

  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $32
  • Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $69
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $73
  • Celtic Nights with Irish Dinner, Music & Dance Show: $82
  • Irish Dinner & Dance Show at Johnnie Fox’s: $87
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $93
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $106
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $115
  • Local Food Tour with 8 Tastings and Drinks: $116
  • Walking Food Tour with local chef, 7 stops or more!: $116
  • Dublin Historical Centre Food Tour with 7 Food Tastings & Drinks: $132
  • Dublin Private Walking Food Tour With Locals with 10 Tastings: $236

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

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

  • 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $38
  • Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
  • Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • Quito Kitchens Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
  • Quito Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • 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 with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
  • Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
  • Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dublin $28
    Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

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


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $30
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $31
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $5.13
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $7.18

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • Discover Dublin A Private Tour: $1.15
  • Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $4.65
  • Dublin Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Dublin Old Town: Famous Pubs Exploration Game and Tour: $6.34
  • Dublin Walking Tour 3h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Ardgillan Castle Entry Ticket: $6.98
  • Interactive Guided Tour of Printing History: $7.05
  • Ireland 7 Day Self Guided Audio Tour on Your Smartphone: $7.63
  • Dublin Ghost Hunt Exploration Game and Tour: $8.22
  • Dublin Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Top Rated Self-Guided Coastal Audio Tour: $9.99
  • The Mystical Hill of Tara: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $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:

  • Quito Old Town Free walking tour English small group Cacao Taste!: $5.00
  • Quito Old Town English tour small groups Cacao Taste!: $5.00
  • Quito Old Town Walking tour small groups Chocolate taste included: $5.00
  • Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
  • Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
  • 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
  • Discover the heart of the Historic Center - Walking tour: $25
  • Instagram walking tour in Quito's Historic Center: $26
  • Quito's Cultural Tour & Indigenous Perspectives of Old Town: $27
  • Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting: $29
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dublin $19
    Quito $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

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

  • Generation Pub Crawl: $16
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $23
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $26
  • Dublin Literary Pub Crawl: $27
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $29
  • Drinks on Foot: Dublin Pub Tour: $32
  • Roe & Co Distillery Experiences: $33
  • Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings: $36
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour and Tasting 45 mins: $36
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Guided tour and Tasting in French: $36
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Guided Tour and Tasting in German: $36

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:

  • Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour: $155


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


Which is Bigger, Dublin or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Dublin. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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.