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

Should you visit Luxor or Quito?

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

Should I visit Luxor 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: Luxor or Quito?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Luxor?

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 Luxor is $33, 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 Luxor and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Luxor 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 Luxor


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Horus, Kom Ombo and Khnum Temples from Luxor with Transfers : $53
  • Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
  • Luxor airport transfer : $35
  • Private Transfer Luxor International Airport to Luxor Hotels: $20
  • Private Transfer Service from Luxor to Hurghada: $128
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $30
  • Transfer Service from Luxor to Aswan (Private): $51
  • Transfer from Luxor Airport to Anywhere in Luxor: $15
  • Transfer from Luxor Hotel to Luxor Airport: $35
  • Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or Nile Cruise: $17
  • private transfer one way from Luxor to Hurghada : $70
  • "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00

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:

  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $60
  • Airport Transfer- Hotel in Quito 1 Way: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $124
  • Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $95
  • Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Minibus Departure Transfer from Quito City to Quito Airport UIO: $134
  • Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48
  • Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito : $60
  • Private Transfer Quito: $40
  • Private Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel : $57
  • Private Transfer from or to Quito Airport (one way): $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Luxor 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
    Luxor $16
    Quito $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

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

  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
  • 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $60
  • Saray El Nile restaurant Dinner : $60
  • Enjoy Lunch or Dinner on a Luxor Nile River Boat: $60
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Luxor Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show with Dinner and Transfers: $95
  • Egyptian cooking class and Luxor museum : $120
  • Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128

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
  • 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 Private Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $114
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour : $135
  • Cooking Class at the Andes & Roses: PRIVATE Day trip from Quito: $149
  • Quito Food Tour Where my Family Go Urban Art New and Old Quito: $155

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $10
    Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

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


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • Full tour to Karnak and Luxor temples, and felucca: $5.00
  • Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
  • Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
  • Tour in the East Bank of Luxor: $9.00
  • Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00
  • Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show Experience in Luxor: $9.00
  • 4 Hour Private East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
  • Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Private Day Tour: $10
  • Private Half-Day tour to Karnak temple: $10
  • Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples: $10
  • Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour: $10

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!: $1.00
  • Skip the Line-Entry to Heaven's Gateway The Basilica Towers!: $7.99
  • Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
  • Quito Walking Experience Tour with Activities: $25
  • Quito Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
  • Quito Oldtown: A Cultural-Gastro Walking Tour and Shopping: $40
  • Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $40
  • Half-Day Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tour in Quito: $40
  • Quito Half Day PRIVATE City tour: $42
  • Quito Historic Center Night Tour: $42
  • Half Day Bike Tour Discovering Quito: $48
  • Fruit Tasting Experience with +15 Exotics Flavors of Ecuador: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    Quito $17

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 Luxor and Quito, we can see that Quito is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Quito?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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.