A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Town vs. Quebec City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Town or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Cape Town or Quebec City? 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: Cape Town or Quebec City?

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

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 Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Cape Town?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Town is $98, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $127. 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 Cape Town and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Town $39
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Town $78
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Cape Town and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Cape Town 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 Cape Town


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: Cape Town Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Town $17
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

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

  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
  • Airport transfers: $22
  • 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $178
  • 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
  • 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $232
  • 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $205
  • 1 Day Tastes of Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $220
  • 1 Day West Coast Wonders Tour with Private Transfers: $177
  • 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $180
  • 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
  • 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
  • AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

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


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • YQB Quebec City Airport Cruise Terminal Train Station Transfer: $99
  • YQB Airport Transfer: $97
  • Transfer in private Minivan from Quebec City Center - Quebec Airport (YQB): $81
  • Transfer in private Minivan from Quebec Airport (YQB) - Quebec City Center: $88
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Quebec Airport (YQB) - Quebec City Center: $71
  • Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Quebec city private transfer: $98
  • Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $117
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $103
  • Québec Airport (YQB): Transfer to Le Terminal Quebec Port: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Town or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Cape Town 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
    Cape Town $42
    Quebec City $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

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

  • Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
  • 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
  • Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
  • Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

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

  • Dinner Cruise with Dance and VIP Option: $132
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $189
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Town $23
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

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

  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
  • Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
  • Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
  • Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20

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: $179
  • Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City: $127
  • Bite-Sized Tours: $104
  • City & Market Farm Tour from Québec: $34
  • Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Town $21
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

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

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
  • Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
  • Three Region Wine Tour: $44
  • Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
  • Fullday Wine Tour: $51
  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54

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 Cape Town and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City is more expensive. And not only is Cape Town much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cape Town is in Africa and Quebec City is in North 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 Cape Town would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cape Town 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 Cape Town.

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Town or Quebec City?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Cape Town 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.