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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan or Quebec City?

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Mazatlan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, 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 Mazatlan and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $33
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $66
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan


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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $21
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:

  • Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
  • Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
  • Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
  • Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $260
  • Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $49

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

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


  • 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: $228
  • 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
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $57
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Mazatlan 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
    Mazatlan $34
    Quebec City $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan

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

  • Mercado walking food tour: $78
  • Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
  • Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mazatlan $9.59
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Mazatlan

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

  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
  • Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
  • Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
  • Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
  • El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
  • Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
  • City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
  • Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
  • Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
  • Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
  • Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
  • Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65

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: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Québec City: Artillery Park Tour: $6.58
  • Walking Tour: Crimes, Revelations & Anecdotes in Quebec: $6.69
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $8.74
  • Québec City: Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux Guided Site Tour: $8.77
  • Uncover History of In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Uncover History of In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mazatlan $18
    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 Mazatlan and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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


Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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.