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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Quito?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Quito?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik is $142, 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 Dubrovnik and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $59
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $118
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $15
    Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport: $52
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $69
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $275
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $286
  • Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by MB Van: $62
  • Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV by MB Van: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $65
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by Luxury Van: $59
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $222
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $34
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $60

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:

  • Minibus Departure Transfer from Quito City to Quito Airport UIO: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $124
  • Quito Airport Private Transfer Service: $112
  • Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $95
  • Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way): $75
  • Private transfer to Mindo: $70
  • Transfer to Mashpi Amagusa Reserve one way : $69
  • Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito : $60
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $60
  • Private Transfers / Discover Mindo: Full Day of Adventure Tour: $55
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
  • Airport Transfer- Hotel in Quito 1 Way: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $67
    Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
  • Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
  • Old Town Food Tour: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
  • Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

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

  • Quito Cooking Class Shared Experience: $59
  • Ecuador Food Tour: $69
  • 3-hour Andean Cooking Class in Quito with a Local Chef: $85
  • Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
  • Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
  • Tour Quito with Cooking Class with Professional Chef: $95
  • Quito after-dark street food tour : $100
  • Quito Private Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $114
  • Cooking Class at the Andes & Roses: PRIVATE Day trip from Quito: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $22
    Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $16
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $62
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $3.57
  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.58
  • Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.99
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
  • Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $11
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio 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:


  • 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:

  • A Full-Day Private Adventure Antisana Andean Volcano: $100
  • The best of Quito walking tour: $281
  • biking/ rolling/ walking Quito Old Town Tour - Private Tours: $75
  • 2-Day Tour of Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon with hotel: $222
  • 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños: $239
  • Adventure in Quilotoa Lagoon by Lead: $150
  • All Inclusive Mindo Cloud Forest in a Private Full Day Tour: $130
  • All inclusive Quito to Banos 2 day tour: $250
  • Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $198
  • Antisana Volcano Day Tour from Quito: $120
  • Antisana volcano private tour; birding and hike in the Andes: $130
  • Baños Adventure Full Day Trip from Quito: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $16
    Quito $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84

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


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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.