Menu

Is Quebec Expensive?

No, Quebec is not expensive compared to other regions like it around the world. It’s even more affordable when you know a local who constantly researches all the best deals this province offers and posts her findings online. Don’t book your trip until you have reviewed the guide below fully. It will provide you with a solid foundation for setting a detailed and realistic budget to avoid an expensive Quebec trip.

The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Winter - Timothee Geenens - From Unsplash
Photo: Timothee Geenens from Unsplash

How Much Does a Trip to Quebec Cost?

Airfare – The cost of airfare is likely to be one of the biggest expenses when traveling to Quebec. The price can vary greatly depending on where you travel from, the time of year, and the airport you are flying into. For example, a round-trip ticket from New York City to Montreal in the summer could cost around $300-$400, whereas a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Quebec City in the winter could cost around $500-$800.

Accommodations – Numerous accommodation options are available, such as hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and campgrounds, depending on your budget and preference. In the major cities, a hotel room can range from $80 to $200 per night.

If you are on a tighter budget, hostels are more affordable, ranging from $40 to $100 per night. Airbnb is also available and can be more budget-friendly if you plan to stay longer. Camping prices vary depending on the site and whether you are bringing equipment or renting from the site.

Public Transportation – Quebec has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around without a car. In cities like Montreal and Quebec City, you can purchase an unlimited day pass for around $10. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available but are more expensive.

Car rental – If you prefer more flexibility and independence in your travels, you may want to consider renting a car. On average, a compact car can cost around $30-$50 per day, while an SUV can range from $75-$150 per day. When considering renting a car, it’s essential to factor in additional costs such as insurance, gas, and parking fees.

The Dufferin Terrasse Slide in Winter - in Quebec City - Jose Marroquin - From Unsplash
Photo: Jose Marroquin from Unsplash

Is Quebec City Expensive?

Accommodations in Quebec City range from apartments to single-family homes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around $850, while a similar apartment outside the city costs around $650. For a three-bedroom apartment, the prices increase to approximately $1,400 in the city and $1,100 outside.

Regarding food prices, a pound of chicken breast costs around $4.84, four litres of milk costs $4.42, and a loaf of bread costs $2.70. Eating out in Quebec City can also be affordable, with a basic lunch menu costing around $12 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around $65.

Utilities such as electricity, water, and heating also affect the cost of living in Quebec City. On average, the monthly cost for these in a 915-square-foot apartment is around $120.

View of the St-Lawrence River and Cliffs - Etienne Delorieux - From Unsplash
Photo: Etienne Delorieux from Unsplash

How Much is Entertainment in Quebec?

Plenty of free activities are available, such as hiking, visiting parks and markets, and exploring historic sites. However, if you plan on doing more expensive things like skiing, dog sledding, whale watching, etc., it will add to the overall cost of your trip. The cost of these can range from $50-$200, depending on the activity and duration.

How Much is Beer in Quebec?

Enjoying a beer at a bar or restaurant in Quebec City can cost from $5 to $8 CAD for a domestic pint and $8 to $12 CAD for an imported pint. Prices can also vary depending on the type of establishment, with more upscale bars and restaurants typically charging higher prices.

How Much is a Good Dinner in Quebec City?

Quebec City is known for its delicious cuisine, and a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 CAD per person. For a more upscale dining experience, prices range from $50 to $100 CAD per person or more. There are also more affordable options, such as food trucks, where you can grab a quick and tasty poutine for around $10 CAD.

Are Outdoor Activities Expensive in Quebec City?

Quebec City is known for its beautiful outdoor activities, such as walking tours, bike rentals, and outdoor sports. Many of these are affordable or free, with walking tours and bike rentals costing around $20 CAD per person at most and outdoor sports such as skiing or snowboarding costing around $50 CAD for a day pass.

The Petit-Champlain District in the Evening - Daniel Hansen - From Unsplash
Photo: Daniel Hansen from Unsplash

How Expensive is Quebec City Compared to Other Cities in Quebec?

A trip to Quebec can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on individual preferences and choices. However, a general estimate for a one-week trip, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and activities, could be around $1,000-$2,000 per person.

Quebec is also full of smaller towns that have their own unique charm, and most of them are much less expensive than the big cities. Don’t be afraid to check out a place you’ve never been; here are a few places to start:

What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip

Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:

Preparing For Your Trip

When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at ViatorGetYourGuideManawaCivitatis and sometimes even Expedia.

It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.

Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.

Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair  or Skyscanner  I use regularly.

Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.

Wanna save this article for later? Pin it to your Pinterest board!

Quebec Destinations / Travel Budget / Trip Planner
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

No Comments

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.