A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Milwaukee vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Milwaukee travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Milwaukee and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Quebec City. Although Milwaukee and Quebec City are popular destinations, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Quebec City is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Milwaukee different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Milwaukee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Quebec City are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Milwaukee. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.


Is the Food Better in Milwaukee or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options 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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Quebec City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milwaukee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its old town. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Quebec City draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Milwaukee to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Milwaukee is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Families?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quebec City is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.


Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Milwaukee is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a lot to attract backpackers to the area.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Students?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Both Milwaukee and Quebec City are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Milwaukee. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.


Is Milwaukee or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its public transit.

Quebec City has some public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Milwaukee or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Milwaukee
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Milwaukee is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Milwaukee is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

For even more information, also check out Is Milwaukee Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Milwaukee?

How long in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Milwaukee or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Milwaukee, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Milwaukee if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Quebec City.


  • How many days in Milwaukee or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Milwaukee 1-2 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the undiscovered city of Milwaukee. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Milwaukee. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

The undiscovered city of Milwaukee offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Milwaukee. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Milwaukee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Milwaukee Prices
    USA Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Milwaukee $214
    Quebec City $152

The average daily cost (per person) in Milwaukee is $214, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $152. 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 Milwaukee and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milwaukee $99
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milwaukee $198
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Milwaukee and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee


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: Milwaukee Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milwaukee $38
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milwaukee

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

  • Arrival Transfer from Milwaukee Airport MKE to Milwaukee by SUV: $80
  • Departure Transfer from Milwaukee to Milwaukee Airport MKE by SUV: $80

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: $108
  • YQB Airport Transfer: $111
  • Quebec city private transfer: $105
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $115
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $111
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $262
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $96
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $90
    Quebec City $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Kenosha Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Milwaukee Food Tour with 5 Local Favorites Tastings & Secret Dish: $99
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Milwaukee: $103
  • Local Food Tour of 5 Delicacies & a Secret Dish: $104
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $61
  • Québec City: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129
  • Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $202
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $202
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $208
  • 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $208
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $208
  • Private Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $265

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milwaukee $26
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Milwaukee

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

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • City of Neighborhoods: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Milwaukee: $7.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $8.99
  • Haunting Histories: An Audio Tour of Milwaukee‘s Wicked Westown: $8.99
  • Milwaukee Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Downtown Milwaukee Walking Tour: $16
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $24
  • Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Milwaukee Downtown Ghost Tour - The Shadow of City Hall: $29
  • Kenosha Downtown Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Morbid Mirrorlight Ghost Tours: $32

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Magnificent Montmorency Falls E-Bike Tour: $166
  • Private Québec City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $219
  • 4 Hour Scooter Rental in Quebec City Self Guided Urban Adventure: $95
  • A Joyful Christmas: Private Walking Tour in Quebec: $983
  • A Taste of History Walking Tour: $70
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.62
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $20
  • Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • Beyond the Walls E-Bike Tour: $200
  • Certified tours in Quebec City in Mandarin Japanese and French: $177
  • Electric Fatbike Tour in Québec City: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milwaukee $33
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $109

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: $94
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $96
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milwaukee and Quebec City, we can see that Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Milwaukee or Quebec City?

Milwaukee has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Milwaukee 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.