Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Quito or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
-
Quito Prices
Ecuador PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuito $66Queenstown $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Quito is $66, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $131. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuito $22Queenstown $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuito $44Queenstown $112
Compare Hotels in Quito and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Quito or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quito $6.99Queenstown $10
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 Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
- Transfer from or to UIO Airport to any Hotel in Quito: $20
- 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
- Custom Transfers Across Ecuador (quote required): $30
- Private Transfer from the Airport to the city: $32
- Private Transfer from/to Airport: $35
- Private Transfer IN or OUT Hotel-Aiport Quito or Aiport-Hotel: $35
- Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $36
- Mariscal Sucre Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer Quito: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $165
- Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers: $73
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $177
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $177
- QUEENSTOWN Best Private Airport Transfer:1 Way from/to Hotel: $51
- Queenstown Airport to Towncenter Transfer: $78
- Queenstown International Airport To and From City Center Transfer: $45
- Queenstown private transfer: $76
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $121
- Queenstown/Wanaka Airport Transfer: $210
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $901
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $1,016
Is it cheaper to fly into Quito or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $34Queenstown $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.
- Ecuadorian Gastronomy Tasting and Cooking Class in Quito: $15
- Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
- The Delicious Side of Quito Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $71
- 3-hour Andean Cooking Class in Quito with a Local Host: $75
- Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $79
- Homemade Local Food Tour in Guayaquil: $80
- Hidden Gems Food Tour with Cacao Tasting and Culture: $87
- Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner: $80
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $113
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $129
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $150
- Queenstown Dinner & Wine Experience (Adults Only) 3 Iconic Venues: $294
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quito $16Queenstown $22
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 Walking tour small groups Chocolate taste included: $5.00
- Quito Old Town English tour small groups Cacao Taste!: $5.00
- Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.99
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Quito City Tour Double Decker Bus: $15
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $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
- Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $30
- Walking tour of art, history, flavors and traditions: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
-
Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Queenstown on Foot: An Audio Tour: $5.00
- Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: $7.99
- Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience: $8.47
- From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown: $12
- Escape Adventure: $20
- The Dreamery Interactive Sensory Journey Entry Ticket: $22
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $25
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket: $28
- Kawarau Zipride! (Family Fun Experience): $28
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $29
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Wine & Cheese Experience: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuito $17Queenstown $8.96
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 Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Marlborough Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide: $24
- Gibbston Valley Wine Tour: Self-Guided Drive or Bike Audio Guide: $30
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $73
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $73
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $95
- Queenstown's Original Premium Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $101
- Small Group Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $129
- Classic Wine Tour: $135
- Arrowtown Wine Tour: $141
- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour with 18+ tastings: $150
- Queenstown 6 hour Boutique Wine Tour: 4 Wineries & Lunch: $151
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quito and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown 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 Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown 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 Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quito or Queenstown?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Quito and Queenstown, 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.