Is Moncton expensive to visit?
Moncton is a small yet inviting city that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Moncton to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $59 (CA$82) per day, mid-range travelers spend $146 (CA$203) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $353 (CA$492) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Moncton.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Moncton is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Moncton Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Moncton?
The average Moncton trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Moncton travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Moncton cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Moncton is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $59 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Moncton wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $146 per person, per day.
In Moncton, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Amsterdam Inn & Suites Moncton is a fantastic option for families, and Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Moncton here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $353. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Moncton
In Moncton, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $139 and peak summer season rising to an average of $259. Prices typically range from $98 to $347, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Moncton for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $58 (CA$81). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $29 (CA$40) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Moncton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Moncton include:
- Hotel Casino New Nouveau Brunswick starting at $167
- Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham starting at $181
- Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton starting at $181
- Four Points by Sheraton Moncton starting at $163
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Moncton starting at $162
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Food Budget in Moncton
While the food in Moncton is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the city. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Moncton can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Moncton is $96 (CA$134) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$96
CA$134
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Moncton is around $96 (CA$134) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $211. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Moncton are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $29
- Lunch: $14 to $38
- Dinner: $29 to $67
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Like any major city, Moncton offers up a wide range of flavor both local and international from seafood, brew pubs, steakhouses, and cafes to Italian bistros, Japanese Hibachi, French, Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, and more. With its location on a riverfront stemming from the Bay of Fundy, seafood is always quality and fresh. Moncton boasts some of the finest cuisine in Atlantic Canada. Some of the top restaurants on TripAdvisor include Little Louis' Oyster Bar for seafood, Calactus Restaurant for vegetarian, Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie for French/Canadian, Blue Olive for Middle Eastern/Mediterranean, Cinta Ria Malaysian Fusion Malaisienne for Asian, Gusto Italian Grill & Bar for Italian, and Taj Mahal – Flavor Of India for Indian. As you can see, many ethnicities are represented in the city's restaurants. Most of these, and many other options, are located in the downtown area.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Moncton
The allure of Moncton is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Moncton typically cost an average of $78 (CA$108) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$78
CA$108
Moncton's major tourist draw is Magnetic Hill and all attractions associated with it. The fee is $5 per car entry to experience an optical illusion, during which the local topography gives the impression that you are going uphill when in fact you are going downhill. The complex includes the Magnetic Hill Zoo, a nationally accredited and award-winning zoo with over 400 animals displayed in themed exhibit areas with educational programs, as well as Magic Mountain, the largest water park in Atlantic Canada, featuring water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, children’s splash pool, and a mini-golf course. Magnetic Hill Concert Site and Magnetic Hill Golf Club are also associated with the attraction.
Other sights include museums and parks. Moncton Museum houses a permanent exhibit on the history of Moncton as well as traveling exhibits, while the Moncton Acadian Museum, located at the University de Moncton, features one of the largest collections of Acadian artifacts in the world. The main park in Moncton is Centennial Park, located off St. George Blvd. at the city center. Admission to the park is free, offering outdoor playgrounds for kids, year-round recreational facilities, wooded walking and biking trails, creeks, and a lake. Paddle boats are available to rent on the lake, and there is also an outdoor beach that visitors can enjoy for an admission fee.
Most tourists frequent the Magnetic Hill complex and all of the attractions it has to offer, like the zoo and water park. Visitors can also enjoy an abundance of parks like Centennial Park mentioned above, or Irishtown Nature Park, a 2,200-acre urban park that offers activities for all seasons. Hiking and biking is common throughout the park while many enjoy kayaking on the park's lake. In the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park are popular activities. Additionally, there are several golf courses (Lakeside Golf Club, Moncton Golf & Country Club, etc.), as well as theatres (Empress Theatre, MacSweeny’s Dinner Theatre, etc.). Capitol Theatre, located on Main Street is the oldest theatre in New Brunswick and holds shows regularly. And finally, Moncton is near a few beaches for those looking to go waterside. Parlee Beach, for example, is located on the Northumberland Straight northeast of town and boasts the warmest water temperatures in the country.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.