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

Should you visit Reno or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Reno 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: Reno or Quebec City?

Reno

In the northwest area of Nevada, Reno sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After Las Vegas, it's the second most popular tourist destination in the state of Nevada. You'll find some nice resorts, elaborate casinos, nice restaurants and unique opportunities for entertainment throughout the city.

The city, referred to as "The Biggest Little City in the World", has a population of about 235,000. It's part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area, which has a population of about 440,000.

Reno is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The city has a steppe climate with light to moderate snowfall in the winter months. Precipitation is most common during the winter and spring, but the city averages about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average temperatures are 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

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 United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Reno?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Reno is $144, 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 Reno and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reno $55
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reno $110
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Reno and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Reno 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 Reno


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: Reno Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reno $23
    Quebec City $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reno

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

  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain - Arrival Transfer: $109
  • Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer: $186
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain - Round-Trip Transfer: $219
  • Reno Tahoe Airport to Northstar/Squaw Valley - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer : $67
  • Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134

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:

  • YQB Quebec City Airport Cruise Terminal Train Station Transfer: $99
  • YQB Airport Transfer: $97
  • 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: $97
  • Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $117
  • Québec Airport (YQB): Transfer to Le Terminal Quebec Port: $228
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $108
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Reno or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Reno 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
    Reno $54
    Quebec City $37
Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

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.
    Reno $88
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • From Reno Arch to Truckee River: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Reno Scavenger Hunt: Reno Adventure: $12
  • Lake Tahoe Audio Driving Tour: $14
  • Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Carson City, NV: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $22
  • Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality Experience Ticket: $25
  • Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • Reno Ghosts Tour: $30

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: $178
  • Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City: $126
  • City & Market Farm Tour from Québec: $34
  • Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City: $126
  • Fatbike tour of Québec city in the winter: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reno $13
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight: $25
  • Brewery Tour: $130

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 comparing the travel costs between Reno and Quebec City, we can see that Reno is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Reno or Quebec City?

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