Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or South Lake Tahoe?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit South Lake Tahoe or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between South Lake Tahoe or Quebec City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: South Lake Tahoe or Quebec City?
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is the largest town on the famous Lake Tahoe that straddles the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Mountain Range. Located just south of Reno, Nevada and about 2 hours east of Sacramento, the Lake Tahoe area is easily accessible to many visitors.
Lake Tahoe is known for skiing and other winter sports, as well as plenty of warm weather activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, mountain biking, and more.
South Lake Tahoe has plenty of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shopping. This is a good town to base yourself if you're looking to explore the area, as it has a large number of amenities.
Located on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe is the town of Stateline. Here you can find some casinos, as gambling is legal in Nevada.
If you're looking to go skiing or snowboarding, the Heavenly Ski Resort can be found on the southern edge of the town of South Lake Tahoe. Naturally, more ski resorts are located around the lake as well.
As swimming is also popular, several beach areas are on the southern section of the lake including the Regan Memorial City Beach, Lakeside Beach, Pope Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, and the Edgewood Resort area (on the Nevada side).
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 from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySouth Lake Tahoe $118Quebec City $126
The average daily cost (per person) in South Lake Tahoe is $118, 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 South Lake Tahoe and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSouth Lake Tahoe $54Quebec City $73
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSouth Lake Tahoe $108Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in South Lake Tahoe and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe 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: South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.South Lake Tahoe $24Quebec City $16
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:
- Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport to Québec City: $51
- Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport: $51
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $57
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Quebec Airport (YQB) - Quebec City Center: $71
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $93
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $93
- YQB Airport Transfer: $97
- Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Quebec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $97
- Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $97
- Quebec city private transfer: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into South Lake Tahoe or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and South Lake Tahoe 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 daySouth Lake Tahoe $38Quebec City $37
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.South Lake Tahoe $56Quebec City $24
Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:
- Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village: $9.99
- Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City: $12
- Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City: $12
- Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
- Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Tallac Historic Site Pope House Tour: $16
- Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Tallac Historic Site Grand Estates Tour: $20
- Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $25
- Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
- Sunset Kayak Experience in Lake Tahoe: $75
- Introductory Snowshoe Shared Experience: $75
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 daySouth Lake Tahoe $34Quebec City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe
Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150
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 South Lake Tahoe and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City 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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, South Lake Tahoe or Quebec City?
Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of South Lake Tahoe 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.