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

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Quebec City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Quebec City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Quebec City?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Phnom Penh?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, 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 Phnom Penh and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.81
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Daily Transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: $115
  • From Private Transfer to Siem Reap: $61
  • Fully Private Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $30
  • Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $110
  • Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $110
  • Overland Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville : $59
  • Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $23
  • Phnom Penh Airport Pickup/Transfer: $25
  • Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $19
  • Phnom Penh Airport or Hotel Private Transfer: $28
  • Phnom Penh International Airport Transfer (PNH): $23
  • Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $26

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:

  • From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise w/ Bus Transfer: $95
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $229
  • 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 Phnom Penh or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $13
    Quebec City $37
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

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: $192
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.59
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Riverside Walking Tour: $6.00
  • One Hour City Light Cruise-Foods & Drinks available for purchase: $8.00
  • Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
  • Private Phnom Penh Day Tour : Explore All Highlights Sites: $9.00
  • Sunset River Cruise with Drink and BBQ Options: $12
  • Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh - One and a Half Hours: $12
  • Phnom Penh Killing Fields and Prison S21 Join Tour: $15
  • The killing field and Toul Sleng Genocide museum (S21) Tour: $15
  • From Killing Fields and Prison S21 Tour: $15
  • Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks -English speaking guide on board: $16
  • killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $16
  • Mekong River Sunset Cruise Tour: $17

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: $3.23
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.31
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.31
  • 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: $8.78
  • 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
    Phnom Penh $4.30
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10

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

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


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Quebec City?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh 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.