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

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Brisbane travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Quebec City travel costs.

Brisbane and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Brisbane or Quebec City?

Both Quebec City and Brisbane have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Brisbane is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Quebec City is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Brisbane different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.


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

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Quebec City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane
Quebec City

The vibe at night is excellent in both Brisbane and Quebec City.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Quebec City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Quebec City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Quebec City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Beaches?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Brisbane is a great destination for its beaches. However, Quebec City is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Quebec City is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Quebec City?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Quebec City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Families?

Brisbane
Quebec City

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Quebec City.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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.


Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Quebec City has plenty to offer. 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Brisbane
Quebec City

For backpackers, both Brisbane and Quebec City are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City Better for Students?

Brisbane
Quebec City

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

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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


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

Brisbane
Quebec City

Brisbane and Quebec City both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Quebec City has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Brisbane or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Brisbane
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

Quebec City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Brisbane 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 Brisbane, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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.


  • How many days in Brisbane or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Brisbane 2-3 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Brisbane or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Brisbane. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The beautiful city of Quebec City offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Brisbane or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Quebec City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Quebec City?

The diverse coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Brisbane. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane is $146, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $146. 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 Brisbane and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $77
    Quebec City $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $154
    Quebec City $138
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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.

Hotels in Brisbane


Hotels in Quebec City


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $17
    Quebec City $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.30
  • Go Card
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $139
  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $139
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $220
  • Brisbane Airport Private Transfer Service to Brisbane City: $105
  • Brisbane Airport Roundtrip Transfer (BNE,GoldCoast,SunshineCoast): $39
  • Brisbane Airport to Brisbane Hotels Private Round-Trip Transfer: $220
  • Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $52
  • Brisbane Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Brisbane city: $42
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $49
  • Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $198
  • Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
  • Airport Transfer with Go Card and SIM Card: $180

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $223
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $223
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $223
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $219
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $130
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $130
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $130
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $130
  • Private Departure Transfer to Quebec Airport YQB: $120
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $110
  • Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $51
    Quebec City $61
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $4.96
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.86
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $7.75
  • Ice cream
    $3.41
  • Japanese Meal
    $13
  • Smoothie
    $4.03
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.13
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.34
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.17
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $8.68
  • Bread
    $1.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $123
  • Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $158
  • Local Icons Food Tour: $331

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $179
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $200
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brisbane $23
    Quebec City $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $12

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $21
  • True Crime Tour: $21
  • Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $21
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $22
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $22
  • Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour - Crime Tours Australia | Jack Sim: $22
  • Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $25
  • Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise on the Brisbane River: $30
  • City Walking Tour 90 minutes: $30
  • Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea: $30
  • Midday River Guided Sightseeing Cruise: $30
  • Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour - The Original: $31

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Magnificent Montmorency Falls E-Bike Tour: $142
  • 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec: $28
  • Amazing Winter Guided Biking Adventure in Old Quebec: $155
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $19
  • Beyond the Walls Private E-Bike Tour: $177
  • Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Quebec City: $181
  • Golden Hour E-Scooter Guided Tour of Old Quebec & Beach Break: $81
  • Golden Hour Guided E-Scooter Tour- Old Quebec & Beach Break: $79
  • Guided E Bike Limoilou Adventure from Old Quebec and Lunch: $155
  • Guided Limoilou E-Bike Adventure from Old Quebec & Lunch: $150
  • Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $21
  • Guided Winter Walking Tour in Old Quebec City : $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brisbane $48
    Quebec City $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.30
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.68
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.27
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.05

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $23
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $23
  • Stone & Wood Brewery Tour: $28
  • Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $62
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $93
  • Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $98
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $100
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $118
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $126
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $126
  • Mount Tamborine Deluxe Wine Tasting with Two Course Lunch: $126
  • Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $139

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $20
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $48
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $86
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $88


When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Quebec City, we can see that Brisbane 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. Even though Brisbane is in Pacific and Quebec City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Quebec City?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.