A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Guayaquil for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Melbourne or Guayaquil?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Melbourne or Guayaquil? 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: Melbourne or Guayaquil?

Melbourne

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Melbourne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $195, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Melbourne and Guayaquil in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melbourne $119
    Guayaquil $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melbourne $238
    Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Guayaquil

Looking for a hotel in Melbourne or Guayaquil? 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.

Hotels in Melbourne


Hotels in Guayaquil


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: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melbourne $20
    Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $377
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $69
  • Transfer Melbourne Airport MEL to City Centre/St Kilda/Hawthorne: $45
  • Sydney Airport Transfer to Sydney CBD/ Other Suburbs: $96
  • Starways Chauffeur - Airport Transfer & Chauffeurs in Melbourne: $91
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $82
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $81
  • Private Transfer Melbourne Airport: $101
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport: $99
  • Private Chauffeur Transfer Melbourne CBD to Airport: $87
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Guayaquil?

Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Melbourne 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 day
    Melbourne $53
    Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.62
  • Pizza
    $4.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
  • Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
  • Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North: $87
  • Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
  • Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melbourne $27
    Guayaquil $21

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • English Melbourne Walking Tour: $17
  • Experience Yarra Valley: A Tailored private Wine Journey: $269
  • Melbourne Laneways and Galleries Impressionist Art Walking Tour: $84
  • Wilsons Promontory Hiking Day Tour - 8 Person Max Small Group : $147
  • 1 day Lake mountain snow tour : $73
  • 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $147
  • 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $317
  • 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Private Smal Group Tour FREE entries: $83
  • 12 Apostles, Otways & Great Ocean Road Day Tour - 8 person max: $147
  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $843
  • 3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour: $225
  • 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melbourne $17
    Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
  • Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
  • MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
  • Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
  • Rock'n'roll venues pub crawl including 2 free drinks and history: $27
  • Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
  • New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
  • Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
  • Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Guayaquil, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Guayaquil much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guayaquil 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Guayaquil.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Guayaquil?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Guayaquil. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Guayaquil, 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.


When is the best time to visit Melbourne or Guayaquil?

Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Guayaquil experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Guayaquil in the Summer?

Both Guayaquil and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Guayaquil in the Autumn?

Both Guayaquil and Melbourne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.

In April, Melbourne is generally cooler than Guayaquilin October. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquilin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F) 
    Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Guayaquil in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Guayaquil. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Melbourne is much colder than Guayaquil in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.

Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Guayaquilin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Guayaquil in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Guayaquil. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.

In the spring, Melbourne is much colder than Guayaquil. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Guayaquilin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F) 
    Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Melbourne

Melbourne Guayaquil
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Aug 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)