Which place is cheaper, Quito or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Quito?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, 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 Koh Samui and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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.
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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.24
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Gas for Scooter$1.19
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $123
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $26
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $59
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $49
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $35
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $60
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $52
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
- Koh Samui Airport Transfers: One Price, Anywhere on the Island: $40
- Koh Samui Airport to Hotel Transfer – Arrival & Departure: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:
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Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:
- From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $166
- Private Transfer: Quito Airport (UIO) to Baños de Agua Santa: $160
- Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $137
- From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $129
- Panoramic City Tour & Airport Departure Transfer: $114
- Middle of the World Tour with Airport Transfer: $114
- Airport Transfer and City Highlights Tour: $114
- Transfer to Mashpi Amagusa Reserve one way: $109
- Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $105
- Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer: $89
- Transfer Quito → Papallacta (one way / round trip): $85
- Private Transfer from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa (one way): $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Koh Samui 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
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Food Meals for one dayKoh Samui $37Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $59
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $69
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $77
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $77
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $84
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $87
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $108
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $111
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $11Quito $16
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.32
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.73
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $17
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $18
- Koh Samui Paris Follies Cabaret Spectacular Evening Show Ticket: $19
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $23
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $26
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $28
- Scenic Half Day Island Highlights Tour in Koh Samui: $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito
Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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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:
- “Adventure in Baths: Waterfalls, End of the World Swing and More”: $190
- 2 Day Quito to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour with Accommodation: $281
- 2 day 1 night tour to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon all included: $280
- 3-Day Adventure: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Jungle: $897
- 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños: $239
- 3-Day Antisana & Amazon comunities, Caves, Baños Guided Tour: $734
- 6-Day Ecuador Heritage Tour: Art, Culture and Otavalo: $1,847
- All-Inclusive Private Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito: $220
- Amazon Adventure: 4 Days of Nature & Culture from Quito: $1,770
- Andean Adventure : Riding and Cotopaxi Refuge: $140
- Antisana Birding Tours to see CONDORS - by Richard Hernandez: $185
- Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $210
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.06Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:
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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 comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Quito, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Samui is in Asia and Quito is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.