Which place is cheaper, Quito or Tbilisi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tbilisi or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tbilisi 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: Tbilisi or Quito?
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is the capital of the country of Georgia. Its cobblestoned old town reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russian rule. Its diverse architecture encompasses Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures. Looming over it all are Narikala, a reconstructed 4th-century fortress, and Kartlis Deda, an iconic statue of the "Mother of Georgia." Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have been added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, interesting bars and clubs, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernized transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. The mix of modern and ancient elements makes Tbilisi the beating heart of the South Caucasus and it is well worth a visit.
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 Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTbilisi $29Quito $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Tbilisi is $29, while the average daily cost in Quito is $52. 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 Tbilisi and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTbilisi $13Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTbilisi $26Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Tbilisi and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Tbilisi 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tbilisi $6.20Quito $6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tbilisi
Also for Tbilisi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 24/7 Private Transfer from/to Tbilisi Airport : $43
- 24/7 Taxi Airport Shuttle and Transfer Private Service: $14
- 3-Day Tbilisi & Mtskheta Discovery + Airport Transfers: $159
- 4 Days Private Tour in Georgia With Free Airport Transfers: $237
- Airport transfer by Visit-geo: $16
- Arrival Private Transfer from Tbilisi Airport to Tbilisi Hotel : $41
- Batumi airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tbilisi: $16
- Borjomi to Tbilisi Airport Transfer: $66
- Comfortable transfer from Tbilisi Airport: $54
- Comfortable,fast and safe private transfer from airport: $30
- From Transfer to Gudauri Ski Resort: $54
- From Tbilisi:Private Transfer service To Batumi: $242
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:
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Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:
- Unique Quito Transfer Mariscal Sucre Airport to Hotel: $29
- Transfers To and From the Airport in Quito Ecuador: $35
- Transfers Friends Airport Quito: $40
- Transfer to Mashpi Reserve one way : $99
- Transfer in private vehicle from Quito City - Quito Airport (UIO): $38
- Transfer in or transfer out to Quito airport: $40
- Transfer in or out transportation from Mariscal airport to Quito: $40
- Transfer in and Transfer out: $75
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Quito City - Quito Airport (UIO): $53
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Quito Airport (UIO) - Quito City: $53
- Transfer Out from Quito to the Airport: $39
- Transfer In / Out Quito: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Tbilisi or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Tbilisi 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
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Food Meals for one dayTbilisi $8.03Quito $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Natural Wine Degustation and Tasting with Georgian Dinner Option: $20
- Small-Group Khinkali and Khachapuri Cooking Class in Tbilisi: $24
- Georgian Cooking Class with Khinkali and Khachapuri: $25
- Adjarian Khachapuri Making Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Traveling Spoon Georgian Dumplings Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Cooking Class with a Local Family: $49
- Tbilisi Street Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour with 9 Tastings and Wine: $70
- Full Day Tbilisi Tour with Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Activity: $95
- In Georgian Cooking Masterclass by Local: $102
- Half-Day Food Tour of Tbilisi Dezerter's Bazaar: $125
- Private Cooking Class with a Georgian Grandmother in Tbilisi: $130
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
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $39
- Guilty Pleasures Walking Food Tours in Quito: $45
- Cooking class In-home space: $75
- Private Famous Food Tour of Historic Old Town in Quito: $95
- Ecuadorian Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $114
- Ecuadorian Cooking Classes Rooftop (English): $120
- Premium Cooking Class Quito Tour: $130
- Quito Private & All Inclusive Cooking Class with Certified Chef: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tbilisi $15Quito $16
Tours and Activities in Tbilisi
For Tbilisi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Experimentorium Ticket: $5.45
- Virtual tour to Georgia: $10
- Walking Tour in Old Tbilisi - Group Tour: $12
- Highlands Tour: Kazbegi, Ananuri, Gudauri, and Zhinvali: $12
- Exploring Tbilisi Walking Tour: $12
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Tbilisi: $13
- Afternoon Walking tour of Old Town: $13
- Tbilisi Guided Walking Tour: $13
- Underground Printing House Museum Tour in Tbilisi: $14
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Tbilisi City Tour: $15
- Revolutionary Tbilisi Walking Tour: $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito
Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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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:
- Flavors, Colors and History of Quito Private Tour: $185
- Otavalo Market Private Sightseeing and Surroundings: $110
- Tour Full-Day Mercado de Otavalo + Cotacachi, Ecuador.: $130
- 2 Full Days Exploring The Ecuadorian Amazon | Tour Start In Quito: $268
- 2-Day Private Tour from Quito:Baños and Quilotoa Lagoon: $329
- 2-Day Private Tour to Otavalo Market, Cuicocha Lake, Peguche and Condor´s Park: $295
- 2-day Quilotoa Lagoon and the adventure city of Baños: $265
- 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños: $239
- 3-Day Private Tour of Quito: $120
- 3-Days Andes & Amazon | Tour From Quito: $858
- 8 Hours Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito includes Lunch: $100
- All inclusive Quito to Banos 2 day tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTbilisi $18Quito $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Tbilisi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tbilisi:
- 3 Hours Walk Around Wine Tasting of 12 Different Wines in Tbilisi: $10
- Tbilisi.First impression of Tbilisi-evening walking,wine tasting: $11
- One-day tour of Kakheti from Tbilisi, free wine tasting: $14
- Tbilisi Walking Tour Including Wine Tasting Cable Car and Bakery: $14
- Tbilisi Walking Tour with Cable Cars, Wine Tasting and Traditional Bakery: $15
- Kakheti Day Group Tour: Free Wine Tasting: $15
- Full Day Wine Tour Bodbe , Sighnaghi , Telavi: $16
- Wine Tasting Feel the Difference of Qvevri or Classical Wine: $16
- Kakheti Wine Tour, Кахетия -Винный Тур: $19
- Kakheti: Sighnaghi city of love, Bodbe, Telavi, Free wine tasting: $19
- Full Day Bodbe Sighnaghi and Telavi Wine Tasting Tour: $20
- Whole day Wine Tour to Kakheti from Tbilisi: $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:
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Beers for Two$9.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tbilisi and Quito, we can see that Quito is more expensive. And not only is Tbilisi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tbilisi 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 Tbilisi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tbilisi 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 Quito would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quito than you might in Tbilisi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tbilisi Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tbilisi or Quito?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Tbilisi. When comparing the sizes of Tbilisi 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.
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.