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

Should you visit Sacramento or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sacramento 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.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a laid back, relaxed, and undiscovered city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sacramento 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.

Sacramento and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • 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
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Sacramento or Quebec City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Quebec City. Although Sacramento and Quebec City are roughly the same size, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Quebec City is more touristy than Sacramento and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac. Sacramento is famous for its history and state capital.

How is Sacramento different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Sacramento 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sacramento. As the state capital, you'll find a number of historical and informational museums around town. You should check out the State Capital, as well as the California State Railroad Museum, the Crocker Museum of Art, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, and the California Automobile Museum.


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

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sacramento area. Casual restaurants with laid back atmospheres are what's most common around town. You'll also find a variety of international cuisines that include Korean and Vietnamese.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sacramento is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sacramento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There highest concentration of activities are found in Downtown Sacramento. You'll find bars, clubs and live music in the area. You can also head to midtown, which has performing arts and comedy shows.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its old town. However, Sacramento does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City has a world-famous historical 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.

Sacramento does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Sacramento or Quebec City?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sacramento 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 Sacramento to go shopping. You'll find down-to-earth vendors who have reasonable prices and a great selection. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or along Folsom Boulevard.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Sacramento 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.

Sacramento is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City Better for Families?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sacramento 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 Sacramento. With the large number of families that live in the area, you'll a variety of kid-friendly activities. Options include smaller amusement parks like Funderland Amusement Park, museums like the Sacramento Children's Museum, and indoor trampoline parks. There's also Fairytale Town, which is an imagination filled playground.


Is Sacramento or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options for couples.

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Sacramento is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Picnics, nice restaurants, and shows make for enjoyable date activities while you're in town.

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

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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.

Sacramento is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although most backpackers skip this town for more popular destinations, there are a couple of hostels in town.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City Better for Students?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sacramento is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Sacramento is not popular with students.


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

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Sacramento is lacking in good 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 Sacramento. There's both light rail and buses around town.

Is Sacramento or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Sacramento
Quebec City

Quebec City is very popular for its high level of walkability. However, Sacramento is lacking in good options 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.

Sacramento is generally not very walkable. You'll really want a car to get around town, but Midtown is one of the more walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Sacramento?

How long in Sacramento or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Sacramento 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 Sacramento, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Quebec City than Sacramento. 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sacramento 1-2 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Sacramento or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back city of Sacramento. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Quebec City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Sacramento or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the undiscovered destination of Sacramento. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Quebec City, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Sacramento or Quebec City?

The undiscovered city of Sacramento offers shopping and museums. 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.

Quebec City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sacramento or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sacramento. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours 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 Sacramento?

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

  • Sacramento Prices
    USA Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sacramento $320
    Quebec City $152

The average daily cost (per person) in Sacramento is $320, 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 Sacramento and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sacramento $111
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sacramento $222
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Sacramento and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Sacramento 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 Sacramento


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: Sacramento Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sacramento $51
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sacramento

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

  • Napa, CA to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer : $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Napa, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $294
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Sacramento Airport (SMF) to Sacramento hotel/address- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $186
  • Sacramento City to Sacramento Airport (SMF) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $74

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: $110
  • Quebec city private transfer: $105
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $115
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $105
  • Québec Jean Lesage International Airport transfer to Club Med: $292
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $208
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $120
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $260
  • 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 Sacramento or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Sacramento 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
    Sacramento $92
    Quebec City $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sacramento

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

  • Chinese Wonton Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Midtown Sacramento Arts and Food Tour: $98
  • Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour: $98
  • Thai Cooking Class in Southeastern Sacramento (4-Course Menu): $108
  • Historic Old Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Midtown Sacramento Walking Food Tour: $125
  • Discover Midtown - Delicious Walking Food Tour: $125

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: $207
  • 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $207
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $207
  • Private Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $263

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sacramento $19
    Quebec City $24

Tours and Activities in Sacramento

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

  • Gold Rush and Ghosts of Sacramento Smart Phone guided (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Historic Folsom: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Driving in Delta’s Wine Country: Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Placerville to Jackson: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Jackson to Angels Camp: $15
  • A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville: $15
  • Mini Golf Experience 9 Hole Course in Sacramento: $18
  • Nevada City Haunted History Tour: $20
  • Shadows, Scandals & Secrets of Sacramento Ghost Tours: $24
  • Folsom Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Sacramento Capitol Park Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25

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: $165
  • 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: $9.56
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $20
  • Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $38
  • Best of Panoramic Bus Tour with Local Guide: $41
  • Beyond the Walls E-Bike Tour: $198
  • Certified tours in Quebec City in Mandarin Japanese and French: $176
  • Death in New-France Animated Guided Tour in Québec: $20
  • Electric Fatbike Tour in Québec City: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sacramento $12
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Sacramento

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

  • Apple Hill Wine Tasting Tours And Placerville wine tasting tours: $169
  • Old Vine Express Train Ride with Wine Tasting: $174

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 Sacramento and Quebec City, we can see that Sacramento 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 Sacramento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sacramento 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 Sacramento Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sacramento or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Sacramento. When comparing the sizes of Sacramento 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.