Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Calgary?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Calgary or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Quebec City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Calgary or Quebec City?
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCalgary $154Quebec City $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $154, 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 Calgary and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCalgary $73Quebec City $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCalgary $146Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Calgary 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: Calgary Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Calgary $12Quebec City $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $128
- Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $363
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Jasper Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $169
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise - Arrival Private Transfer: $115
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235
- Calgary Airport to Banff Thermal Resorts Private Arrival Transfer: $139
- Calgary Airport to Kicking Horse Private Round Trip Transfer: $153
- Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village Private Round-Trip Transfer: $120
- Calgary Airport(YYC) to Lake Louise Round Trip Private Transfer: $229
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $87
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Field - Roundtrip Transfer: $251
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:
- From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise w/ Bus Transfer: $98
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $227
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport to Québec City: $51
- Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport: $51
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $93
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $93
- Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $108
- Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $108
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Calgary 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 dayCalgary $31Quebec City $37
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
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: $159
- Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $188
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $193
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $193
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Calgary $15Quebec City $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ottawa: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.08
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.22
- 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.54
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $21
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $25
- Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
- Big Boat Canoe Tour: $44
Tours and Activities in Quebec City
Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Old Québec: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.27
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.27
- Québec City: Artillery Park Tour: $6.54
- Québec City: Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux Guided Site Tour: $8.72
- APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $8.73
- Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
- Uncover History of In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $12
- Quebec: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour App: $13
- Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt Phone Walking Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCalgary $11Quebec City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $90
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: $90
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $93
- Quebec City : eTandem Rental on Ile d'Orleans-wine tasting: $116
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Quebec City, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec City 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary than you might in Quebec City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Calgary or Quebec City?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Calgary 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.
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.