vs
Cuscois 16% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (34/10) vs Quito "Fair" (46/10). Dorms avg $14/night vs $12/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇪 Cusco
🇪🇨 Quito
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.6 rating
★★★★★
14 hostels, avg 8.3 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $63/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $28/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.15, dorms avg $14
★★★★★
Coffee $3.00, dorms avg $12
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.23, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $2.50, 14 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
21 attractions
★★★★★
27 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇪 Cusco | 🇪🇨 Quito | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $16 cheaper | $20 | $3/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $33 cheaper | $43 | $10/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $63 cheaper | $82 | $18/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇪 Cusco | 🇪🇨 Quito |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.38 32% less | $5 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $13.15 38% less | $21.25 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.23 11% less | $2.50 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.15 | $3 5% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 17% less | $0.35 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇪▼
Cusco
Peru
34
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelViajero Cusco Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels5
🇪🇨▼
Quito
Ecuador
46
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelColonial House Inn (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels14
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇪 Cusco
🇪🇨 Quito
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (183d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Cusco & Quito
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇪 Cusco
16°C
High
/
9°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 178mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇪🇨 Quito
17°C
High
/
11°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 304mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug, Sep
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Cusco or Quito cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Cusco vs Quito?+
Do I need a visa for Cusco or Quito?+
When is the best time to visit Cusco or Quito?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Cusco and Quito?+
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