Which place is cheaper, Cabo San Lucas or Quito?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Quito or Cabo San Lucas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Quito or Cabo San Lucas? 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: Quito or Cabo San Lucas?
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.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas ("Cabo") is on the far southern end of the Baja Peninsula. It has countless resorts and activities for visitors. There are world class golf courses, fine dining options, and five star resorts. Prior to the 1980s, Cabo was a quiet fishing village but with the construction of a nearby airport in 1977, the city rapidly grew into one of Mexico's most popular resort vacation spots. Today, Cabo has one of the country's most vibrant nightlife scenes. It also has plenty of water sport activities, and a great beach scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
-
Quito Prices
Ecuador PricesCabo San Lucas Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuito $66Cabo San Lucas $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Quito is $66, while the average daily cost in Cabo San Lucas is $159. 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 Quito and Cabo San Lucas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuito $22Cabo San Lucas $57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuito $44Cabo San Lucas $114
Compare Hotels in Quito and Cabo San Lucas
Looking for a hotel in Quito or Cabo San Lucas? 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: Quito Hotel Prices and Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quito $6.99Cabo San Lucas $25
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:
- Cabo San Lucas Port to San Jose Del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
- Airport Transfer to Cabo San Lucas & Pacific side Hotels & Villas Round Trip: $192
- Airport Transfer to Cabo San Lucas IDA: $123
- Airport Transfers to Cabo San Lucas Pacifico Hotels RT: $290
- Airport transfers and all: $95
- Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas -Arrival Transfer : $80
- Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
- Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
- Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $74
- Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
- Cabo San Lucas Port to San Jose Del Cabo hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
- Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Departure Transfer: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Quito or Cabo San Lucas?
Prices for flights to both Cabo San Lucas and Quito 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 dayQuito $34Cabo San Lucas $80
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.
- Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
- San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
- Flavors of Authentic Mexican Food Tour: $79
- San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $84
- San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
- Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
- Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
- Jumbo Shrimp Dinner in Your Private Villa or Condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $99
- Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar: $99
- Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99
- Sunset E-bike Beach Ride with Mexican Dinner and Margaritas: $109
- San Jose del Cabo City Highlights with Tequila Tasting and Dinner: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quito $16Cabo San Lucas $39
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
Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas
Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shared Experience Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch in Cabo San Lucas: $15
- Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Rock Formations: $17
- The Ultimate Camel Safari Experience in Los Cabos: $17
- Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
- 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
- Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24
- Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel PICKUP!: $27
- Tour to The Arch and Lover's Beach (optional) from Cabo: $30
- The Fenway Bar Experience: $30
- Transparent Boat Tour Cabo San Lucas Arch and Playa del Amor: $36
- Whale Watching Tour with Arch and Beach in Cabo San Lucas: $38
- Shared Tour to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuito $17Cabo San Lucas $26
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:
- Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quito and Cabo San Lucas, we can see that Cabo San Lucas is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Quito is in South America and Cabo San Lucas is in North 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 Cabo San Lucas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cabo San Lucas 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 Quito Expensive? and Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quito or Cabo San Lucas?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Quito and Cabo San Lucas, 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.