Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Portland, Maine?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portland, Maine or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Portland, Maine 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: Portland, Maine or Quebec City?
Portland, Maine
The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.
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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortland, Maine $192Quebec City $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Portland, Maine is $192, 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 Portland, Maine and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortland, Maine $115Quebec City $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortland, Maine $230Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Portland, Maine and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Portland, Maine 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: Portland, Maine Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portland, Maine $34Quebec City $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland, Maine
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:
- Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
- Portland to Portland Jetport (PWM) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Jetport (PWM) to Portland Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $42
- Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $42
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: $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 Portland, Maine or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Portland, Maine 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 dayPortland, Maine $48Quebec City $37
Typical Food Prices in Portland, Maine
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:
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Breakfast for 2$17
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Dinner for 2$30
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portland, Maine $39Quebec City $24
Tours and Activities in Portland, Maine
Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $6.75
- Smartphone Old Port Portland, ME Audio Walking Tour APP/GPS: $6.75
- Walking Tour Audio Guide: $8.49
- Downtown Portland In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Portland by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
- Portland Exploration: Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $14
- Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
- Portland: Self-Guided Sightseeing Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle of Portland Maine Tours: $17
- Maine: Self-Guided Walking & Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $32
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortland, Maine $24Quebec City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Portland, Maine
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:
- Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
- Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
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 Portland, Maine and Quebec City, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Quebec City?
Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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.