Which place is cheaper, Denver 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 Denver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Quito or Denver? 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 Denver?
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.
Denver
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Quito Prices
Ecuador PricesDenver Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuito $66Denver $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Quito is $66, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuito $22Denver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuito $44Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Quito and Denver
Looking for a hotel in Quito or Denver? 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 Denver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quito $6.99Denver $101
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:
- Quito Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $20
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $21
- Private Transfer from or to Quito Airport (one way): $21
- Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) to Quito hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Quito airport private transfer IN or OUT: $28
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Transfer Out from Quito to the Airport: $30
- Transfers To and From the Airport in Quito Ecuador: $35
- Private Transfer to Quito airport and hotel : $35
- Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $36
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
- Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
- Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $276
- Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
- Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Quito or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver 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 $34Denver $73
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
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
-
Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
- 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
- Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
- RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
- Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
- Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quito $16Denver $52
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 Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
- Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
- Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
- Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
- Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
- General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuito $17Denver $5.31
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 Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
- Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
- Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
- E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quito and Denver, we can see that Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver 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 Denver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quito or Denver?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Quito and Denver, 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.