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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Quito?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $86, 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 Izmir and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $43
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $86
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Quito $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $247
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $91
  • Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $112
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $112
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $45
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $159
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $112
  • Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48

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
  • Custom Transfers Across Ecuador (quote required): $30
  • Mariscal Sucre Airport to and from Quito Hotels Private Transfer: $45
  • Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Quito - One Way: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT Hotel-Aiport Quito or Aiport-Hotel: $35
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $59
  • Private Transfer from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa (one way): $80
  • Private Transfer in & out of the airport in Quito: $42
  • Private Transfer to Quito airport and hotel: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Izmir 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
    Izmir $30
    Quito $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $294

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
  • Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • Quito Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • The Delicious Side of Quito Food Tour: $70
  • 3-hour Andean Cooking Class in Quito with a Local Host: $85
  • Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and 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
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $122
  • Quito Food Tour Where my Family Go Urban Art New &Old Quito City: $155
  • Cooking Class at the Andes & Roses: PRIVATE Day trip from Quito: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    Quito $16

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Experience Tasting Seferihisar and Urla Wines: $56
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Tour: $65
  • Full Day Marmaris Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch: $65
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
  • Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $76
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • Izmir City Tour: $84

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 Cacao taste included Small group: $1.00
  • Quito Old Town Free Walking tour Small group Cacao Taste included: $1.00
  • Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.98
  • Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting: $29
  • Walking Tour Quito: $30
  • Quito Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $34
  • Mitad del Mundo daily tour Hop On - hop off: $35
  • Half day tour - Old Town of Quito - Ecuador: $35
  • Quito : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $36
  • Quito Oldtown: A Cultural-Gastro Walking Tour and Shopping: $40
  • Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $40
  • Half-Day Market and Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tour in Quito: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.26
    Quito $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $276

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Quito?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Quito. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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.