Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Toronto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Toronto or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toronto and Quebec City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Toronto
Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Quebec City
Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Toronto and Quebec City: Pros and Cons
Toronto
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Quebec City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for students
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Toronto or Quebec City?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Quebec City, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Quebec City is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Quebec City is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town.
How is Toronto different from Quebec City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Toronto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto
Quebec City
Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Toronto or Quebec City.
Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
Is the Food Better in Toronto or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Toronto
Quebec City
Quebec City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Many restaurants in Quebec City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?
Toronto
Quebec City
Toronto is very popular for nightlife. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.
The nightlife in Quebec City has something for everybody. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?
Toronto
Quebec City
Quebec City is terrific for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.
Quebec City has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.
Toronto does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto
Quebec City
Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Toronto and Quebec City.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.
The abundance of shops in Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Families?
Toronto
Quebec City
Both Toronto and Quebec City are high quality to visit with kids.
Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.
Quebec City is a very kid-friendly city. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Couples?
Toronto
Quebec City
Quebec City is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Quebec City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.
Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Toronto
Quebec City
Toronto and Quebec City are both high quality destinations for backpackers.
Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.
Quebec City is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Students?
Toronto
Quebec City
Toronto is very popular for students. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.
It's common for students to visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.
Is Toronto or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Toronto
Quebec City
Toronto is very popular for its public transit. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.
While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.
Is Toronto or Quebec City a more walkable city?
Toronto
Quebec City
Quebec City is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.
For even more information, also check out Is Toronto Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Toronto?
How long in Toronto or Quebec City?
It's fun to spend time in either Toronto or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toronto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.
Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Toronto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Quebec City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Toronto or Quebec City? Ideal Length of StayToronto 3-7Quebec City 2-4
One day in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
In Quebec City, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
In Quebec City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Quebec City has to offer.
Five days in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
Quebec City is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver, The Best 2-Week Tours from Toronto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayToronto $206Quebec City $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $206, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $128. 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 Toronto and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personToronto $87Quebec City $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomToronto $174Quebec City $148
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Toronto 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: Toronto Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Toronto $33Quebec City $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer:- Toronto Pearson Airport to Waterloo Black Car Service: $94
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $157
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.67
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by Business Car: $59
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $157
- Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $266
- Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $674
- Niagara Falls private transfers : $282
- Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $719
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$3.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:
- YQB Airport Transfer: $105
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Quebec Airport (YQB) - City Center: $162
- Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Quebec city private transfer: $98
- Sugar Shack Shuttle Transfer: $24
- Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108
- Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $118
- Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- Québec Airport (YQB): Transfer to Le Terminal Quebec Port: $236
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Toronto 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 dayToronto $66Quebec City $37
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $50
- Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $74
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $75
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $76
- Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour : $83
- Kensington Market International Food Tour: $95
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour with Optional Boat & Dinner: $112
- Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Dinner & Illumination Tower: $112
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional): $157
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $159
- Food tour on Island Lake, Ontario from Toronto: $220
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.
- 3 or 5 Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $133
- Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $191
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $195
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $195
- Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $249
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Toronto $32Quebec City $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$16
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$27
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.36
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.67
- Toronto Tips-Based Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.00
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.52
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.52
- 3-hour City Highlights Tour: $5.15
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.15
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.25
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.77
- Toronto Greatest Hits: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $6.99
- Kensington Market, Chinatown and the Art Gallery of Ontario: A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Game Ticket: $8.00
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
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: $113
- Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour: $151
- 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec: $29
- APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.04
- Amazing Winter Guided Biking Adventure in Old Quebec: $109
- Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $19
- Beautiful walking tour of Old Québec: $26
- Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City: $128
- Bite-Sized Tours: $105
- City & Market Farm Tour from Québec: $34
- Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City: $128
- Extraordinary guided tour of Old Quebec on foot: $94
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayToronto $23Quebec City $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Toronto Distillery District: Finest Whisky Quest Experience: $5.86
- The Distillery District Film Tour: $17
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $18
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $37
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
- The Distillery District Segway Ghost Tour: $41
- Evening Distillery District Segway Ghost Tour: $44
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: $51
- Quebec City Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Small-Group Tour: $61
- Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $91
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $93
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toronto and Quebec City, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Toronto or Quebec City?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Toronto 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.