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

Should you visit Paris or Quito?

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

Should I visit Paris 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: Paris or Quito?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Quito or Paris?

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 Paris is $311, 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 Paris and Quito in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris $180
    Quito $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris $360
    Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Paris and Quito

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris $25
    Quito $6.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    $7.51
  • Train from Airport
    $11
  • Metro tickets
    $7.98
  • Train
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer : Paris to the Palace of Versailles Round-Trip : $48
  • One Way Private Transfer to Louvre Musuem: $89
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer for 1 to 3 Persons in Paris: $214
  • Private Transfer from Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport: $92
  • Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $292
  • 1 Way Private Transfer from Your Paris Hotel to Versailles Palace: $94
  • Airport Transfer Paris - Disneyland - Minivan 1-8 Passengers: $143
  • Airport Transfer at Paris (Mercedes E), From/to Paris-CDG: $216
  • Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Business Car: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Paris City to Paris Airport CDG by Luxury EQS: $165
  • Airport transfer CDG - Paris | Driver Professional: $189
  • Airport transfer from Paris to Disneyland Paris/Parc Asterix (8pax): $237

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:

  • Minibus Departure Transfer from Quito City to Quito Airport UIO: $134
  • Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $124
  • Transfer In & Out from Quito: $100
  • Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $95
  • Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way): $75
  • Private transfer to Mindo: $70
  • Private Transfer Out From Quito to International Airport Mariscal Sucre: $60
  • Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito : $60
  • Private Transfer Quito Airport To Quito City/hotel : $57
  • Private Transfers / Discover Mindo: Full Day of Adventure Tour: $55
  • Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer IN from to the International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Quito?

Prices for flights to both Quito and Paris 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
    Paris $85
    Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $9.39
  • Breakfast
    $8.21
  • Breakfast for 2
    $35
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $101
  • Dinner
    $67
  • Cheese
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $65
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Seine River dinner cruise from Alexandre III bridge: $70
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Paris Vegan Street Food Tour: $77
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $89
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $96
  • Dinner Paris by Night EN Bus Panoramic: $101
  • Amazing Sweet Crêpe Cooking Class Paris: $105

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.
    Paris $89
    Quito $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $21
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.87
  • Catacombs (2)
    $27

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Paris Hidden Gems: Self Guided Secret Spots Tour: $0.57
  • Paris Montmartre Free Walking Tour in English : $2.86
  • Paris - Free Walking Tour in English (Tip-Based): $3.56
  • Paris - Latin Quarter Free Tour in English (Tip-Based): $3.56
  • Paris Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.57
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Paris: $3.59
  • Central Paris Highlights Walking Tour: $4.76
  • Montmartre Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.76
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Paris: $4.80
  • Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.36
  • Paris (Marais District) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $5.77
  • Paris (Montmartre) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.77

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:

  • A Full-Day Private Adventure Antisana Andean Volcano: $100
  • The best of Quito walking tour: $283
  • Tour Full-Day Mercado de Otavalo + Cotacachi, Ecuador.: $75
  • 2-Day Tour of Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon with hotel: $222
  • 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños: $239
  • Adventure in Quilotoa Lagoon by Lead: $150
  • All Inclusive Mindo Cloud Forest in a Private Full Day Tour: $130
  • Andean Adventure : Riding and Cotopaxi Refuge: $140
  • Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $198
  • Antisana Volcano Day Tour from Quito: $120
  • Antisana Volcano Private Tour: $103
  • Antisana volcano private tour; birding and hike in the Andes: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris $29
    Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $46
  • Paris St Germain Wine Tasting: $46
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $54
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $54
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $58
  • Natural Wine Tasting with Cheese Pairings in Paris: $72
  • French Wine Tasting and Pairing Experience in Montmartre: $90
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $95
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $113
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118

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


Which is Bigger, Paris or Quito?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Quito. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.