A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Austin vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Austin or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Quebec City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Austin and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Quebec City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Austin. While Austin is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is known for its nightlife, music, and hiking. Quebec City is more touristy than Austin and is known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Austin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Austin or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Austin or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Austin and Quebec City both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Many restaurants in Quebec City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Quebec City is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Quebec City is revered around the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Quebec City?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Austin or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin and Quebec City are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Is Austin or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Austin or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Austin?

How long in Austin or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Austin or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Austin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Quebec City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Austin if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Quebec City.

One day in Austin or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Quebec City?

The unconventional city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Quebec City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Quebec City, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Quebec City?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Quebec City, 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.