A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Antonio vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit San Antonio or Quebec City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Antonio and Quebec City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a fun, historic, and cultural city. San Antonio is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See San Antonio travel costs.

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. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

San Antonio and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in San Antonio or Quebec City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Quebec City than San Antonio. While San Antonio is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Antonio is known for its music. Quebec City is more touristy than San Antonio and is known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Antonio different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. 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.

San Antonio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.


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

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

San Antonio has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Quebec City know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Music?

San Antonio
Quebec City

San Antonio is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Quebec City is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Antonio active and fun. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

Quebec City is not a live music destination.


Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Quebec City offers plenty to see. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

Is the Shopping Better in San Antonio or Quebec City?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City More Beautiful?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

San Antonio is a beautiful place to visit, too. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.


Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Families?

San Antonio
Quebec City

San Antonio is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Antonio is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Couples?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is a great destination for backpackers. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.


Is San Antonio or Quebec City Better for Students?

San Antonio
Quebec City

San Antonio and Quebec City are good places to visit for students.

San Antonio is popular with students. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

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

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

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is a good destination for its public transit. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

Is San Antonio or Quebec City a more walkable city?

San Antonio
Quebec City

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable city. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or San Antonio?

How long in San Antonio or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either San Antonio 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Antonio, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in San Antonio than Quebec City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Antonio, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Antonio 2-3 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in San Antonio or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic city of San Antonio. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A weekend in San Antonio or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of San Antonio. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Five days in San Antonio or Quebec City?

The colorful city of San Antonio 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.

The charming city of Quebec City offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


A week in San Antonio or Quebec City?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping 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 San Antonio?

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

  • San Antonio Prices
    USA Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Antonio $161
    Quebec City $152

The average daily cost (per person) in San Antonio is $161, 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 San Antonio and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Antonio $69
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Antonio $138
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in San Antonio and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in San Antonio 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 San Antonio


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: San Antonio Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Antonio $20
    Quebec City $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Antonio

Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Antonio are as follows:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Antonio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Antonio:

  • Private One Way Transfer from San Antonio to San Antonio Airport : $74
  • Private One-way Transfer from San Antonio Airport to San Antonio: $74
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $146
  • San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $68

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:

  • From Quebec City : Cruise & Visit to Grosse-Ile with bus transfer: $107
  • From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise + Bus Transfer: $104
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $149
  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Quebec: $249
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $96
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $96
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $262
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $111
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $122
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into San Antonio or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and San Antonio 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
    San Antonio $69
    Quebec City $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Antonio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Antonio.

  • Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
  • Asian Dumpling Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
  • San Antonio Centre Food Tour of 6 Tastings with Tacos & Ice Cream: $95
  • San Antonio Secret Food Tour - Tacos, BBQ & Tex-Mex Classics: $100
  • San Antonio Premium Night Driving Tour with Dinner & Cruise: $159

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.
    San Antonio $36
    Quebec City $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Antonio

Here are a few typical costs in San Antonio for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Spa Treatments
    $200

Tours and Activities in San Antonio

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

  • The Alamo Exhibit Entry Ticket: $14
  • San Antonio Texas Audio Adventure: $15
  • San Antonio Private Scavenger Hunts Experience: $15
  • River Walk Cruise Ticket: $17
  • Witte Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $18
  • Buckhorn Saloon & Museum / Texas Ranger Museum Entry Ticket: $18
  • San Antonio Ranger Creek Brewstillery Tour: $20
  • Tower of the Americas Entry Ticket: $21
  • San Antonio Museum of Art Entry Ticket: $22
  • Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience Ticket: $24
  • Hopscotch San Antonio Immersive Art Experience: $24

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

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

  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.62
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Québec: Fortifications-of-Québec Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Old Quebec Walking Tour with a Certified Local Guide: $15
  • Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour: $16
  • Guided Tour of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: $18
  • Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour: $19
  • Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour: $20
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $20
  • Guided tour from the bee to the bottle and tasting - French: $21
  • Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Antonio -
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in San Antonio

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Antonio:

  • Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • San Antonio Texas Bar Crawl: Drinks Up in San Antonio!: $15
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Guided Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Ghost Bus Haunted Pub Crawl: $62
  • Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio: $179
  • Fredericksburg Hill Country Aficionado Wine Tour from San Antonio: $229

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 comparing the travel costs between San Antonio and Quebec City, we can see that San Antonio 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 San Antonio Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Antonio or Quebec City?

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of San Antonio 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.