A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Anchorage vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Anchorage or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Anchorage and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Anchorage or Montreal?

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

Montreal

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Anchorage?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Anchorage is $191, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $209. 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 Anchorage and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Anchorage $117
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Anchorage $234
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Anchorage and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Anchorage or Montreal? 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 Anchorage


Hotels in Montreal


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: Anchorage Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Anchorage $27
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $36
  • Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
  • Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
  • Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
  • Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
  • Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
  • Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
  • Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Anchorage or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $50
    Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

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

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $50
  • Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $58
  • No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
  • Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
  • Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
  • Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $206
  • Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Anchorage $30
    Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
  • Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
  • Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
  • Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Montreal self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.28
  • Montréal's Mile End to Outremont: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.49
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.74
  • Montreal Art Center & Museum Audio Guided Tour: $10
  • McCord Stewart Museum : Entry Ticket: $15
  • Montreal Zipline Adventure: $15
  • Self-Guided Old Town Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $15
  • Montreal Old Port: Urban Zipline Ticket: $16
  • Making Their Mark: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Anchorage $20
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42


When comparing the travel costs between Anchorage and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Anchorage Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Montreal, 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.


When is the best time to visit Anchorage or Montreal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Anchorage is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 59°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In the summer, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Anchorage gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. Anchorage is much colder than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 35°F (2°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Anchorage usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Anchorage gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Montreal. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Anchorage during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the winter, Anchorage is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Anchorage in January average around 15°F (-9°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Anchorage gets 80 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Montreal. The natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In April, Anchorage is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 36°F (2°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. Anchorage usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Anchorage gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Montreal. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Anchorage

Anchorage Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)