Which place is cheaper, Quito or Palermo?
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 Palermo or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Quito can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Palermo or Quito?
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Palermo Prices
Italy PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalermo $130Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is $130, 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 Palermo and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalermo $64Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalermo $128Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Palermo 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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palermo $6.43Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale$3.42
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Bus From Airport$6.84
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90 Minute Bus Pass$1.48
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Short Taxi Ride$4.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Airport Transfer: Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo by Business Car: $99
- CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Palermo Airport PMO to Palermo City: $64
- From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $11
- From Panoramic Transfer to Monreale in CruiserCar: $406
- From Segesta Archaeological Park Transfer: $87
- From Siracusa Transfer with Piazza Armerina Stop: $348
- Mangias Pollina Resort private transfer to Palermo airport: $118
- Mondello Palace Hotel to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $40
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $181
- Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $91
- Palermo Airport transfers to/from Palermo city center (One-way): $106
- Palermo Airport ⇄ Palermo City: Private Transfer Service: $54
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:
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
- Quito hotels to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Quito hotels to Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Quito Airport ↔ Quito Hotels Private Transfer Service: $27
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Custom Transfers Across Ecuador (quote required): $30
- Transfer Out from Quito to the Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from the Airport to the city: $32
- Transfers To and From the Airport in Quito Ecuador: $35
- Private Transfer from/to Airport: $35
- Transfer Private Airport–Hotel in Quito: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Palermo 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 dayPalermo $58Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$37
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Fast Food Lunch$6.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group by Do Eat Better: $52
- Palermo Sicilian Street Food Tour: Small Group with a Local: $53
- Palermo Pizza & Gelato Cooking Class with Meal & Wine: $59
- Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Flowing Wine: $64
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $64
- Palermo : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $69
- Pizza & Tiramisu Class with Free Flowing Fine Wine: $69
- Palermo Sicilian Cooking Class with Market Tour or Pasta & Gelato: $69
- Food Tour at the Vucciria Market – Palermo: $73
- Pasta and Gelato Making Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Ballaro Market & Street Food Tour by Eating Europe: $75
- Small-Group Night Street Food Tour of Palermo (All-Inclusive): $75
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.Palermo $19Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)$6.84
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)$14
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Theater Tickets (for Two)$56
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- Single bus tickets between Airport and City Center: $6.99
- sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $9.32
- Tour of Church of the Gesù & Casa Professa Museum: $9.32
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Palermo: $9.39
- Tour of the historic center by little train: $12
- TOP Palermo : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
- Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $14
- Tour Cappella Palatina e palazzo Reale: patrimonio Unesco: $14
- Cathedral Audioguided Tour & Rooftop Entry Ticket: $17
- Palermo Recorded Walking Tour with Local Expert: $17
- tour Palermo with audioguide: $17
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $17
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:
- Quito Old Town Free walking tour English small group Cacao Taste!: $5.00
- Quito Old Town English tour small groups Cacao Taste!: $5.00
- Quito Old Town Walking tour small groups Chocolate taste included: $5.00
- Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.94
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Discover the heart of the Historic Center - Walking tour: $25
- Instagram walking tour in Quito's Historic Center: $26
- Quito's Cultural Tour & Indigenous Perspectives of Old Town: $27
- Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting: $29
- Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalermo $13Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer$2.92
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Bottle of Quality Wine$13
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks: $19
- Sicilian wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres in an 18th century palace: $42
- Sicilian Wine Tasting with Local Food in Palermo: $47
- Wine Tasting with Sicilian Tapas: $50
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $51
- Etna Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
- Sicily Experience - Wine tasting and food pairing: $58
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $64
- Eating Evening Food & Wine Tour: $99
- Palermo on a plate: Mamma's classics and Wine tour: $104
- Street Food and Wine Tour With an Architect: $116
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $140
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Quito, we can see that Palermo is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Palermo 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 Palermo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palermo 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 Palermo Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palermo or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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.