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

Should you visit Quito or Cochabamba?

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

Should I visit Quito or Cochabamba? 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 Cochabamba?

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.

Cochabamba

With a population of about 630,000, Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It's located about 240 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz and is surrounded by mountains, but sits within a valley.

The city is known for its gardens and has many sights to offer the visitor. Cochabamba offers a calming retreat that is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of many South American cities. It's a great location to learn Spanish and there are plenty of activities and cultural events that you can enjoy in and around town.

Cochabamba's climate is semi-arid. There is an extended dry season between May and October and the wet season is from November to March. The days are warm and the nights are cool.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bolivia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Cochabamba or Quito?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Quito is $52, while the average daily cost in Cochabamba is $63. 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 Cochabamba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Quito $22
    Cochabamba $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Quito $44
    Cochabamba $50
Compare Hotels in Quito and Cochabamba

Looking for a hotel in Quito or Cochabamba? 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 Quito


Hotels in Cochabamba


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 Cochabamba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Quito $6.99
    Cochabamba $16
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 from or to Quito Airport (one way): $20
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Quito - One Way: $21
  • Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
  • Quito to Cotopaxi in Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT Hotel-Aiport Quito or Aiport-Hotel : $25
  • Private Transfer from Quito Airport : $25
  • Transfer In / Out Quito: $25
  • Quito airport private transfer IN or OUT: $28
  • Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
  • Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $28
  • Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
  • Unique Quito Transfer Mariscal Sucre Airport to Hotel: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cochabamba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cochabamba:

  • Airport - Hotels transfer Service 24/7: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Quito or Cochabamba?

Prices for flights to both Cochabamba 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 day
    Quito $20
    Cochabamba $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito

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

  • Old Town Highlights & Food Tour: $35
  • Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
  • Cooking class In-home space: $75
  • Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
  • Jacchigua Show Including Dinner + Transfer: $92
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $114
  • Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $140
  • Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour : $160
  • Traditional Cooking & Local Spirit and the Equator line Tour: $199
  • Quito Private & All Inclusive Cooking Class with Certified Chef: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Quito $16
    Cochabamba $25
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:

  • Skip the Line: La Compañia Church Admission Ticket: $5.50
  • Skip the Line: Capilla del Hombre and Guayasamin's Museum Ticket: $10
  • Middle of the World shuttle Tour: $14
  • Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
  • 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
  • Middle of the World Tour with Tickets: $19
  • Quito at Night & Urban Legends Tour : $20
  • 1914 Original Trolley City Tour: $20
  • Pululuahua Reserve & Museo del Sol Tour - "Small Group": $20
  • Intiñan Museum Small-Group Tour: $25
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
  • Quito Unwrapped: A Cultural and Culinary Exploration Walking Tour: $32

Tours and Activities in Cochabamba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cochabamba are as follows:

  • Tour to Valle Alto (Tarata): $38
  • Tigre & Delta River Cruise - half day tour from Buenos Aires: $50
  • Parque Nacional Torotoro Tour 2 Días y 1 Noche : $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Quito $17
    Cochabamba $15
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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quito and Cochabamba, we can see that Cochabamba is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Cochabamba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cochabamba 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 Cochabamba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Quito or Cochabamba?

Quito has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Cochabamba. When comparing the sizes of Quito and Cochabamba, 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.