Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Big Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Big Sur or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Big Sur and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Big Sur or Quebec City?
Big Sur
Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.
However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.
While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of the Quebec province. It has a dramatic location on the cliffs by St. Lawrence Seaway and the city's Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quebec is a mid sized city with a population of about 700,000. Most of the economy is administrative and bureaucratic, but the city has a very impressive history as the fortress capital of New France. French is the official language of the entire province, but most people in the tourist areas of Quebec City speak English.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBig Sur $0.00Quebec City $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Big Sur is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $126. 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 Big Sur and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBig Sur $165Quebec City $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBig Sur $330Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Big Sur and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Big Sur or Quebec City? 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: Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Big Sur -Quebec City $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:
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Parking in Quebec City$3.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $228
- Québec Airport (YQB): Transfer to Le Terminal Quebec Port: $228
- Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $117
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
- Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $108
- YQB Quebec City Airport Cruise Terminal Train Station Transfer: $99
- From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise w/ Bus Transfer: $98
- Quebec city private transfer: $97
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Big Sur or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Big Sur 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 dayBig Sur -Quebec City $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.
- 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
- Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $189
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $192
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $192
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Big Sur -Quebec City $24
Tours and Activities in Big Sur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Big Sur.
- Big Sur California: Pacific Coast Highway Self-Drive Tour: $13
- Big Sur Highway 1: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
Tours and Activities in Quebec City
Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Electric fatbike Tour of Québec City: $111
- Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour: $149
- 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec: $29
- APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $8.74
- Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included: $33
- Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $19
- Beautiful walking tour of Old Québec: $27
- Beyond the Walls Private E-Bike Tour: $178
- Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City: $126
- City & Market Farm Tour from Québec: $34
- Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City: $126
- Fatbike tour of Québec city in the winter: $102
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBig Sur -Quebec City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:
- Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
- Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $91
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $92
- Quebec City : eTandem Rental on Ile d'Orleans-wine tasting: $116
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Big Sur and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Quebec City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quebec City than you might in Big Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Sur Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
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.