Comparison · Boston vs Quebec City · United States / Canada
Boston vs Quebec City
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ian Howard, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Boston for Freedom Trail, American Revolution history, beaches and a milder winter; choose Quebec City for Château Frontenac, City walls and lower day-to-day costs. Quebec City is generally less expensive, and the two are about 495 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 495 km
- Less expensive
- Quebec City
- Best time for Boston
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Quebec City
- June–October
Side by side
| Boston | Quebec City | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Known for | Freedom Trail, American Revolution history and Clam chowder | Château Frontenac, City walls and Winter Carnival |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | June–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $260–$420 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 25°C (77°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, -8°C (18°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Revere Beach | — |
| Airports | BOS, PVD, MHT | YQB |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Boston for…
Freedom Trail, American Revolution history, beaches and a milder winter. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the US and one of the most walkable: the 4-km Freedom Trail links sixteen Revolutionary-era sites from Boston Common to Bunker Hill, and most central neighbourhoods are within a 30-minute walk of each other. Visitors…
Choose Quebec City for…
Château Frontenac, City walls and lower day-to-day costs. Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec and the only city north of Mexico that still has its fortified walls. Old Québec splits into the Upper Town on Cap Diamant, crowned by the Château Frontenac and the Citadelle, and the Lower Town around…
Top sights compared
| # | Boston | Quebec City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Trail | Château Frontenac |
| 2 | Boston Common and Public Garden | Dufferin Terrace and Governors' Promenade |
| 3 | Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market | Quartier Petit-Champlain |
| 4 | Museum of Fine Arts | Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires |
| 5 | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | La Citadelle de Québec |
Food compared
| Boston | Quebec City |
|---|---|
| New England clam chowder | Poutine |
| Lobster roll | Tourtière |
| Fried clams | Pea soup |
| Oysters | Maple taffy on snow |
Which is cheaper?
Quebec City is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $260–$420 in Boston (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Quebec City on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Boston and Quebec City are about 495 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Boston and 3 in Quebec City.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Boston or Quebec City cheaper?
Quebec City is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $260–$420 (estimates).
+Is Boston or Quebec City better for a first trip?
Pick Boston for Freedom Trail, American Revolution history, beaches and a milder winter, or Quebec City for Château Frontenac, City walls and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Boston from Quebec City?
About 495 km in a straight line.