Montreal is a cultural city known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Montreal and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Montreal?
You should plan to spend around $233 (CA$324) per day on your vacation in Montreal. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (CA$86) on meals
- $20 (CA$28) on local transportation
- $260 (CA$362) on hotels
A one week trip to Montreal for two people costs, on average, $3,256 (CA$4,536). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,628
CA$2,268
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,256
CA$4,536
-
One Month
Per person
$6,977
CA$9,720
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,256
CA$4,536
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$6,512
CA$9,072
-
One Month
For a couple
$13,954
CA$19,440
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Montreal cost?
A one week trip to Montreal usually costs around $1,628 (CA$2,268) for one person and $3,256 (CA$4,536) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Montreal on average costs around $3,256 (CA$4,536) for one person and $6,512 (CA$9,072) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Montreal will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Montreal on average costs around $6,977 (CA$9,720) for one person and $13,954 (CA$19,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Montreal expensive to visit?
Montreal is a bustling city full of activities to keep you entertained. With travelers coming from all walks of life, you'll see everything from budget adventurers to high-end explorers enjoying the scene. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Montreal can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $93 (CA$128) per day, mid-range travelers spend $234 (CA$324) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $599 (CA$827) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Montreal.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Montreal is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or San Diego.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Montreal Expensive?
Poutine, the famous dish of Montreal
How much money do I need for a trip to Montreal?
The average Montreal trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Montreal travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Montreal cost?
Montreal on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$51
(CA$72)
|
$130
(CA$181)
|
$328
(CA$457)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(CA$11)
|
$20
(CA$28)
|
$47
(CA$65)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(CA$34)
|
$62
(CA$86)
|
$150
(CA$209)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9
(CA$12)
|
$21
(CA$29)
|
$45
(CA$62)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(CA$5-14)
|
$8-24
(CA$11-34)
|
$17-52
(CA$24-72)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Montreal on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
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 $93 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.
Thankfully, Montreal is home to plenty of hostels, including M Montreal, Samesun Montreal Central, and Saintlo Montréal. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. The city also includes a reliable public transportation system that helps budget travelers avoid overspending on taxis or rideshare services. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Montreal, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.
So, are you average?
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 significant number of visitors to Montreal will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $234 per person, per day.
In Montreal, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. BBV Bed and Breakfast du Village is a great choice for families, and La Loggia Art B&B is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Montreal.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $599 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the city with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Montreal Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours - offered by Viator.
Old Town Montreal
Accommodation Budget in Montreal
Prices for hotels in Montreal vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $144, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $269. With options ranging from $88 to $457, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Montreal for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $260 (CA$362). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $130 (CA$181) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Montreal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Montreal include:
- A La Carte Bed & Breakfast starting at $114
- Hotel Nelligan starting at $262
- Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal starting at $196
- ApartHotelMontreal starting at $189
- Hotel Place D'Armes starting at $205
Montreal is an expansive city, providing travelers with a variety of lodging options. From economical hostels like M Montreal to rental properties and luxurious hotels, there's plenty to choose from. However, prices are typically higher in the city center, where public transit and attractions are easily accessible.
Montreal offers a great public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
Families visiting Montreal will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable. Since it's a large city, rooms tend to be smaller and a bit tight on space.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Montreal, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Many people love to walk around Montreal, so you'll want to choose accommodation in a central area. However, this can mean a higher price point.
The city's historic old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they often feature a lot of character and a prime location for easy access to attractions.
Transportation Budget in Montreal
In Montreal, a big city, transportation is key, and luckily, the public transit system is fantastic. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system. For a budget-friendly option, public transit is perfect, but taxis and rideshares are always there when you need them.
Visitors who prefer to navigate the area by walking will have a delightful experience. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 (CA$28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Montreal. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Montreal is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
CA$28
If you'll frequently be on public transport, take advantage of multi-day transit passes to keep more money in your pocket.
Stay alert to pickpockets on buses, trains, and in stations. It's important to be cautious in a big city like Montreal.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Montreal hotel or port to Montréal Airport (YUL) - Departure Private Transfer for $56 details
- 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center for $219 details
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer for $56 details
How much does it cost to go to Montreal? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Montreal will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Montreal
The culinary offerings in Montreal are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Montreal can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Montreal is $62 (CA$86) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
CA$86
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Montreal is around $62 (CA$86) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $151. 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 Montreal are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
As a large and culturally diverse city, Montreal has an excellent restaurant scene. The city has everything from diners and cafes to ethnic restaurants, fast food, or fine dining restaurants. Check out this guide to the best restaurants in Vieux Montreal so that you don't get caught eating bad food at an overly touristy restaurant. There is a large Jewish population that has influenced dining options with local specialties including large beef brisket sandwiches and excellent bagels. You can also find local favorites such as split pea soup and poutine. Being such a large city, a variety of other diverse cuisines are also available as well. Plenty of Vegan restaurants can also be found in Montreal, as well as Asian, European, and even Latin inspired establishments.
If you're on a tight budget, there are many markets where you can buy ingredients to prepare your own meals. The public market at Jean-Talon (7075 Avenue Casgrain) is excellent and has good produce. It's also surrounded by many Italian restaurants and markets. The Atwater Market is also excellent. Although it is smaller, there are many good butchers and a great selection of cheese, fish, and produce available.
By opting to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner, you can save some money. Numerous restaurants in touristy areas or business centers have lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These often consist of smaller and less costly versions of their dinner selections. With the right choices, you can even enjoy a complete multi-course gourmet meal at a reasonable price. For dinner, just stick to something light.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Montreal, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Montreal Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $244 details
- Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour - by Local Montreal Tours for $98 details
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $80 details
Typical food prices in Montreal, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Montreal
Tourists can't resist Montreal, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Montreal typically cost an average of $21 (CA$29) 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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
CA$29
There are plenty of places to visit in Montreal, but it is highly recommended you head to some of the city's parks where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. This is particularly appealing if you are in the city during the summer months when the weather is most pleasant. Popular parks worth visiting include Square Saint-Louis, Parc Jean Drapeau, Parc Maisonneuve and Jardin Botanique de Montreal, but there are countless more that are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Many of the city's historical sights are found in Old Montreal. Many of these buildings are from the 17th-19th centuries. This is also where you'll find a high concentration of museums such as the Montreal Archeaology and History Complex.
If you're interested in seeing some of the city's famous street art then walk along Saint Laurent Boulevard between Sherbrooke and Laurier metros. There you will find impressive murals and interesting works.
If you're in Montreal during the cold winter months then you can enjoy cross country skiing at many of the city's parks. Ice skating is also available at a variety of places.
During the summer months you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking or even river surfing. River surfing has become a popular activity along the Saint Lawrence River, which is frozen solid for many months of the year. There are two main spots where you can river surf: Habitat 67, which is close to the bridge between Montreal and Ile des soeurs, and Montreal Casino.
Also do some research ahead of time and find out if there is a festival going on during your visit. There are a number of interesting festivals and it's a great way to experience some of the city's wonderful and diverse culture.
Museums and Attractions:
Montreal's museums and landmarks are must-sees for any visitor. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.
Music:
The music scene here in Montreal is buzzing and pulls in a lot of visitors. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Montreal. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Winter tour: Underground city & Downtown. Great way to stay warm! For $65 details
- Montreal's Sin City Era + Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours for $33 details
- Scenic Hiking Adventure at Mont-Orford National Park for $88 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Montreal. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Montreal
The nightlife in Montreal is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $16 (CA$23) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Montreal per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
CA$23
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Montreal. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl for $21 details
- Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars for $84 details
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry for $41 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Montreal, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Traveling in Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica
While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.
Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city of Montreal is divided into several districts. Most of the neighborhoods of interest to travelers are in Central Montreal. In the Ville-Marie borough you will find Montreal's downtown area with it's many skyscrapers and museums. In the Old Montreal area you'll see most of the city's historic buildings, and Quartier Latin-Le Village is popular for its restaurants and shopping. Outside of Central Montreal you'll find a few other neighborhoods of interest to travelers. The Little Italy area is known as Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. The Olympic Park is in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, and in the South West area you'll find Lachine canal and Atwater Market, which is definitely worth a trip.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.