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

Should you visit Kiev or Quito?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Quito can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kiev or Quito?

Kiev

Kiev is the capital city and also the largest city in the Ukraine, with a population of almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is situated on the Dnieper River in the north central part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the fifth century. The people in Kiev are quite friendly and welcoming, and are happy to have you in their city. It can, however, be difficult to communicate and get around if you don't speak at least a little Russian. It is doable with a little sign language and the help of a guide book with translations though.

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 Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Kiev?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, while the average daily cost in Quito is $52. 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 Kiev and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiev $17
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiev $34
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Kiev 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 Kiev


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: Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiev $1.03
    Quito $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:

  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Business Car: $55
  • Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $67
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Boryspil Airport KBP to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Boryspil Airport KBP: $61
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
  • Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
  • Luxury Departure Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $80
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Kyiv Boryspil International Airport to Chernihiv city: $147

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:

  • Quito Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $20
  • Private Transfer from or to Quito Airport (one way): $20
  • Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
  • Quito to Baños Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Quito to Cotopaxi in Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT Hotel-Aiport Quito or Aiport-Hotel : $25
  • Private Transfer from Quito Airport : $25
  • Transfer In / Out Quito: $25
  • Quito hotels to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Quito airport private transfer IN or OUT: $28
  • Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $28
  • Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Kiev 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
    Kiev $7.25
    Quito $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev

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

  • "Kiev Private Food Tour" - Taste the best Ukraine has to offer: $53
  • Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $113
  • Private Gastro/Food Tour In Kyiv : $144
  • Cooking master class: $226

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: $35
  • 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $39
  • Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
  • Cooking class In-home space: $75
  • Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $114
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $130
  • Quito Private & All Inclusive Cooking Class with Certified Chef: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiev $2.04
    Quito $16

Tours and Activities in Kiev

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:

  • Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
  • Kyiv Underground Tour: $35
  • Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
  • Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
  • Private Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide - Best of Kyiv Murals: $39
  • Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $39
  • Kyiv Metro Private Tour – Highlights of the Subway Stations: $39
  • Soviet Kiev - 2 hours Walking Tour: $42
  • Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $43
  • Mysteries of Baikove Cemetery Private Guided Tour: $45
  • Kiev Best Sights Private Half-Day Tour : $46

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:

  • Skip the Line: La Compañia Church Admission Ticket: $5.50
  • Skip the Line: Capilla del Hombre and Guayasamin's Museum Ticket: $10
  • Middle of the World shuttle Tour: $14
  • 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
  • Night Tour in Quito with free time at La Ronda Street: $15
  • Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
  • Middle of the World Tour with Tickets: $19
  • Quito at Night & Urban Legends Tour : $20
  • 1914 Original Trolley City Tour: $20
  • Pululuahua Reserve & Museo del Sol Tour - "Small Group": $20
  • Intiñan Museum Small-Group Tour: $25
  • Guided City Tour with Tastings and Box Lunch: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiev $6.40
    Quito $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev

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

  • Kiev Pub Crawling | Private Beer Tasting Tour: $77
  • Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Quito, we can see that Quito is more expensive. And not only is Kiev much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kiev 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 Kiev would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiev 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 Quito would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quito than you might in Kiev.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kiev Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kiev or Quito?

Kiev has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Quito. When comparing the sizes of Kiev 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.