Which place is cheaper, Quito or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tokyo or Quito?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Quito?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesQuito Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $178Quito $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $178, while the average daily cost in Quito is $66. 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 Tokyo and Quito in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $74Quito $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $148Quito $44
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Quito
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Quito Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Quito $6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (HND) Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $97
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Airport Transfer: Tokyo City to Narita Airport NRT by Luxury Van: $275
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $292
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $110
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $292
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $180
- Disney/Universal Studio/Harry Potter Warner Bros Transfer One way: $124
- Experience Private Transfer Between Yokohama and Tokyo: $129
- Haneda Airport (HND) Transfers: One-Way to Central Tokyo/Yokohama: $86
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to Hakone/Mount Fuji: $157
- Haneda Airport Private One Way Transfer To Center Tokyo: $110
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:
- From Quilotoa Lake Private Tour with Transfer & Lunch: $166
- Arrival Private Transfer Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Minivan: $137
- Transfer In & Out from Quito: $130
- From Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip with Transfer: $129
- Panoramic City Tour & Airport Departure Transfer: $114
- Middle of the World Tour with Airport Transfer: $114
- Airport Transfer and City Highlights Tour: $114
- Arrival Transfer from Quito Airport UIO to Quito by Sedan or SUV: $105
- Private City Tour & Intiñam Museum Visit w/ Transfer: $89
- Private Transfer Quito to Mindo – SUV or Van (1–6): $88
- Transfer from or to Airport Mariscal Sucre (one way): $75
- Private Transfer In from International Airport Mariscal Sucre to Quito: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Quito?
Prices for flights to both Quito and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $63Quito $34
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.07
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.07
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Meal at Airport$6.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $23
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $39
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Giant Sushi Cooking Class: Make a 1.5m Sushi Roll in Tokyo: $42
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $49
- Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
- [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $65
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
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $38
- Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Quito Kitchens 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $66Quito $16
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $1.12
- Tsukiji Fish Market Morning Tour Most Fresh Tuna Fish: $3.23
- Experience Japan’s Beloved Morning Exercise – Radio Taiso”!: $5.18
- Shibuya Night Walking Tour with a Local in Tokyo: $6.47
- Mt Fuji/Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Private Bus Tour: $6.47
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.76
- Hidden Yanaka & Nezu: Authentic Old Tokyo Escape – Walking Tour: $9.70
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Tokyo Hakone Kyoto Nara Osaka and Hiroshima AI Audio Tour: $11
- Shibuya Official Walking Tour– Max 8 Guests: $12
- TOKYO・Chiikawa Bakery Exploration with Shopping Ticket: $12
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:
- 2 Day Quito to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa Tour with Accommodation: $281
- 2 day 1 night tour to Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon all included: $280
- 2-Day Tour of Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon with hotel: $222
- 3-Day Adventure: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, Jungle: $897
- 3-Day Antisana & Amazon comunities, Caves, Baños Guided Tour: $734
- 6-Day Ecuador Heritage Tour: Art, Culture and Otavalo: $1,847
- Amazon Adventure: 4 Days of Nature & Culture from Quito: $1,770
- Andean Adventure : Riding and Cotopaxi Refuge: $140
- Antisana Birding Tours to see CONDORS - by Richard Hernandez: $185
- Antisana Condor Tour from Quito: $220
- Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Condor Tour PRIVATE, all included: $210
- Antisana Volcano Condor Birdwatching Private Experience: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $32Quito $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.80
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $32
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Japanese Wine Tasting Experience (Not Sake) | Near Shibuya: $65
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Japanese Sake Brewery Day Tour: $84
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $91
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $91
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $104
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $104
- Saitama Seiun Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting: $130
- Saitama Matsuoka Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $130
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 Tokyo and Quito, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Quito Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Quito?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Quito. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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.