Bottom Line: Is Montreal Expensive to Visit in 2024?
Montreal is a captivating city nestled in the province of Quebec, Canada, and widely known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving food scene. If you’re thinking of visiting this lovely city, you may be wondering “Is Montreal an expensive city to visit?” and “Can you travel to Montreal on a budget?” The truth is yes and no. Some bits were pretty expensive, while other parts were surprisingly cheap. As such, I’ll be providing insights and a breakdown of my expenses based on my time in Montreal to help you know what to expect!
Is Montreal Expensive to Visit? (2024)
After spending 5 days exploring the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, my honest opinion is that Montreal is a slightly more expensive place to visit than your average destination. It’s not so expensive that you would likely need to save up for years or even a year like you would if you wanted a luxurious getaway on a remote island — *ahem* Tahiti… But, I found aspects of the trip to be pretty expensive no matter where I went.
Of course, individual perceptions of affordability will vary based on your financial circumstances and previous travel experiences. So, here are some reference points.
In general, I found that Montreal offers a more budget-friendly experience compared to some other Canadian cities and several popular destinations in Western Europe. For instance, when comparing Montreal to Calgary, a gateway city to the breathtaking Banff National Park, you’ll find that Montreal’s overall costs are fairly comparable. On the other hand, Montreal is much less expensive than Toronto, renowned as Canada’s biggest tech hub, and Vancouver.
When considering Western Europe, Montreal’s affordability becomes even more apparent. It is notably cheaper to visit Montreal than major European cities like Paris, the fashionable Italian city of Milan, and virtually anywhere in Switzerland, be it Zurich, Geneva, or Interlaken. But, when looking at places in Eastern Europe, like the beloved Croatian capital, cities in Poland, or Budapest, Montreal is significantly more expensive to visit.
Thus, it honestly depends. But, for anyone traveling from North America keen on visiting Europe, Montreal may be an affordable alternative. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience a taste of Europe without having to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Is Montreal Cheaper Than the US?
Considering how diverse and massive the United States is, it’s pretty much next to impossible to give a blanket statement answer to this. 😅 I mean, it’s not like the United States is Andorra, which is the 6th smallest country in Europe and coming in hot at only 467.6 km² or 181 mi². Meanwhile, the United States is about 9.834 million km² or 3,796,929 mi², which is ridiculously massive.
But, to give you a better idea, here is a short list of some of the most expensive cities in the United States and Canada. According to this report by CNBC, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which are notoriously expensive, don’t even make the top 5.
That said, after having lived in San Diego for half a decade, I’d argue that Montreal is a bit cheaper to visit. I mean, unless you have found an incredible deal and know the hidden gem spots in the sunny beach town, you’ll likely end up paying a pretty penny for your visit.
Ultimately, it’s impossible to definitively say whether Montreal is cheaper than the United States. But, compared to a lot of the major cities in the United States, such as Seattle, Austin, and Boston, I’d say Montreal is a little bit more affordable.
How Expensive Is Montreal to Visit?
While all the comparisons I just made can help give you a general idea of where Montreal falls on the spectrum of expensive to cheap, it’s only useful if you’ve been to the cities I mentioned before.
Therefore, to help you better gauge how expensive Montreal is to visit and provide you with precise budgeting information to plan out your trip, I’ll be delving into the different estimates you can expect to pay during your visit. This way, you can hopefully create a working budget and make the most of your time in the city. And of course, I’ll be throwing in some good tips for saving money! So with that, let’s jump into my favorite Canadian city! 🤠
How Much Is Accommodation in Montreal?
Based on my experience and research, the housing accommodation situation in Montreal is weird. The low-cost places tend to be priced a little higher than average. In contrast, the 4 and 5-star hotels are pretty comparable, if not slightly cheaper, to similar hotels of the same caliber around the world.
For example, if you’re considering a comfortable hostel stay, prices in Montreal average around $60 USD per night. This is almost double the amount I paid for my hostel in Stockholm. However, it’s much lower than the price of the hostel I stayed at in Paris. Then again, one of the downsides of Paris is that it’s always exceptionally expensive. 🫠
For a comfortable 3-star hotel, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $160 USD. Again, this is a bit more than what I’ve found most 3-star hotels in other comparable destinations cost.
And then for those seeking a more luxurious experience, Montreal boasts a variety of exquisite 4 and 5-star hotels. These hotels tend to better match prices around the globe. A highly-rated and centrally located 4-star hotels in Montreal typically range from around $230 to $320 per night. Meanwhile, a lavish 5-star establishment can go as low as $250 or as high as $900+ per night. So, there are A LOT of options.
Beware of the Big Events
All this said, the prices skyrocket whenever there’s a major international event going on. For instance, if you happen to be visiting while the Formula 1 Grand Prix is happening in Montreal, you can expect housing prices to double. In some cases, I’ve even seen prices triple. This is because this is the largest event in all of Canada and 350,000+ fans attend the event, so demand is high and supply suddenly becomes limited. Thus, if you do decide to visit Montreal while the F1 Grand Prix or Rogers Cup tennis tournament is happening, you’ll want to book your housing as soon as possible!
Looking for Accommodation in Montreal?
Fantastic Hostel Stays
- M Montreal: Great hostel, a 10-minute walk from Old Montreal! | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Auberge du Plateau: Centrally located & has a rooftop terrace! | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Low Cost Stays
- Hôtel Château de l’Argoat: Great 3-star hotel near Old Port | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Hôtel Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville: 3-star hotel w/ breakfast| ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
Mid-Range Hotels
- Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: 5-star hotel w/ restaurant & bar | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal: 3.5-star hotel w/ pool | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
Luxury Hotels
- Hôtel Le Germain Montréal: Excellent 4-star hotel w/ spa services | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Ritz-Carlton Montreal: An extremely luxurious 5-star hotel! | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
Feel free to click the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Alternatively, feel free to use the interactive map below to explore other housing options. You can input your specific travel dates, the number of people traveling, and other details to see even more accurate search results 🙂
Are Montreal Places in Montreal Expensive?
In terms of tourist attractions and places to visit, Montreal offers a wide range of activities that are both affordable and enjoyable. Yes, there are some tourist attractions in Downtown Montreal, such as La Grande Roue de Montreal and Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal that may seem overpriced. But, even so, I found witnessing the stunning panoramic views from high above the city and taking in the beauty of the incredible architectural marvel to be worth it.
✅🎟️ Grab a ticket for the La Grande Roue & check prices for the Notre Dame Basilica here
Additionally, there are numerous free or low-cost activities to enjoy. For example, you can catch a gorgeous view of the city skyline at Mont Royal Park or take a stroll through the charming and artsy streets of Mile End. One place my friend and I particularly loved spending time at was the Montreal Botanical Gardens. This sprawling yet serene space is a little expensive, but it’s seriously magical. I recommend it to every single person looking for a little escape from the noise of the city.
Montreal Tours to Consider
When it comes to tours in Montreal, they aren’t that expensive. For around $5, you can embark on a captivating 2-hour walking tour of Old Montreal, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the area. Understand the European influence that is wildly prevalent throughout this part of the city.
Alternatively, an excellent food tour can be enjoyed for about $68, allowing you to indulge in Montreal’s diverse and delicious culinary offerings. And I mean, everyone loves a good Montreal-style bagel right!?! Also, it’s worth noting that I’ve found that Montreal food tours are much more affordable than similar tours I’ve done in cities like Nice (France), Milan (Italy), or Bilbao (Spain). So, take advantage! 😅
✅ Check rates & availability for this wonderful Montreal food tour
💸 Budgeting: I recommend allotting at least $20 – $30 USD per day for activities! But, you could easily get away with less if you opt to just do some free sightseeing. And then you’ll want to adjust accordingly for tours!
How Expensive Is Food in Montreal?
In terms of food prices, I found Montreal to be quite comparable to Nice. It wasn’t exorbitantly expensive, yet not cheap enough to feast at every meal. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Montreal typically costs around $17 USD. And, looking back at my expense sheet, my friend and I generally spent between $19 and $24 USD (€17 – €21) at dinner, excluding beverages.
Meanwhile, breakfast prices were usually around €13 – €15 or $14 – $16, which was quite reasonable. This is because Montreal is influenced by French culture, and you’ll often see breakfast places offering a smaller breakfast, such as a bagel, pastry, and coffee. Of course, you can still find hearty meals available. Just expect it to be harder to come by and to cost a few more dollars.
And, if you’re keen on traveling on a tighter budget, I recommend visiting Montreal’s bustling Jean-Talon Market. This open-air market has a plethora of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and cheeses to meats, desserts, and flowers! You can honestly find a pretty diverse range of goods, especially during the summertime.
How Much Does a Meal Cost in Montreal?
As mentioned previously, the average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $18 USD (~€17 OR $23 CAD). That said, there are so many factors to consider when estimating the cost of a meal. Are you paying partially for a lovely view? Are you ordering a lot of drinks? Is this restaurant nice… the number of factors is endless. So, while $18 may seem high or low depending on your financial background, this price fluctuates.
💸 Budgeting: I recommend saving at least $50 – $60 USD per day for food! This is assuming you have two main meals and a light snack. I would add to this number if you plan on adding drinks, eating 3 meals a day, or doing a bit of fine dining!
How Much Does Montreal Public Transport Cost?
Compared to some cities, I think Montreal’s public transport costs are a little on the pricey side. A 3-day unlimited travel pass costs $21.25 CAD ($16 USD // €15). For comparison, in Bordeaux, France, I paid ~$15 USD for a 7-day unlimited transportation pass and only $12 USD for a 7-day public transport pass in the seaside town of Biarritz.
That said, the public transportation system in Montreal is amazing. It’s quite similar to the metro system in Paris and is undoubtedly the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the city. I would even recommend it to those who have housing in the city center as Montreal is freaking huge and some tourist attractions are quite spread out from one another. You’ll especially want to make use of it if you plan on visiting places on the islands, like Parc Jean Drapeau.
To make use of the public transportation system, simply purchase a public transit card from one of the fare vending machines available throughout the city. Or, if you arrive at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), you can easily obtain a transit card at the machines near the airport’s entrance or exit.
From the airport, you can hop onto the 747 shuttle, which provides a direct connection to downtown Montreal. The shuttle ride takes approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and drops you off at one of the metro stations.
And since the amount you allot depends on the length of your stay in the city, I recommend checking the official transit website for the most up-to-date fare prices. But, in general, I’d say you can expect to spend a little more on public transport in Montreal than you would in other cities.
Is Montreal Expensive: FAQ
Based on everything above, I would say that Montreal is not a cheap destination. That said, it depends on your financial background and what your reference point is.
You can certainly travel to Montreal on a budget. You’ll want to opt to stay at a hostel or find housing further on the outskirts of the city and make good use of the metro system. And for food, I recommend avoiding the downtown area and opting for restaurants a bit further away or even preparing your homemade meals.
Yes! Montreal is 100% worth it and easily my favorite Canadian city! It is the perfect mix of a big city with small-town vibes. There’s no shortage of things to do, from indulging in the famous Montreal dishes to exploring the city’s many historical sites! And, something I appreciated is the abundance of gorgeous green spaces to relax at.
Personally, my friend and I spent 5 full days exploring Montreal. This wasn’t nearly enough time to cross everything we wanted off our list, but it was enough time to see and experience a lot of the city without feeling rushed! So if you can, I’d recommend trying to plan for a 4 or 5-day stay.
Even if you don’t speak French, you should most definitely still visit Montreal! Most of the city is bilingual, so they speak both English and French. Thus, if you know at least a little bit of French or English, you likely won’t have any problems navigating the city!
Wrap-Up: Is Montreal Expensive to Visit? (2024)
So, is Montreal expensive to visit? Well — it entirely depends on what you classify as expensive and what is considered affordable. But, from my experience, Montreal is just slightly more expensive than your average trip to a major, urban destination. That said, I do still believe the Montreal is well worth it.
The city presents an array of affordable and engaging activities and attractions. From enjoying *free* panoramic views from the top of Mont Royal and exploring charming neighborhoods to indulging in culinary delights and cultural experiences, the city offers something for every budget and interest. Oh, and the public transportation system is pretty great too, so use it to make the most of your time! With that, I hope this post has helped give you an idea of what you might spend in Montreal.
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