A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arlington vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Arlington or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Arlington travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Arlington and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Arlington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Arlington different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal and Arlington. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arlington or Montreal?

Montreal is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Is the Food Better in Arlington or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Montreal.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Montreal is a must-see party destination. 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.

The people in Arlington know how to have a good time. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for its music scene. However, Arlington is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Arlington is not a live music destination.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Arlington does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Montreal?

Montreal is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Students come from all over to stay in Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Is Arlington or Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arlington is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Arlington or Montreal a more walkable city?

Arlington and Montreal are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

For even more information, also check out Is Arlington Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Montreal?

In either Arlington or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Arlington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Arlington, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Arlington. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Montreal, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Arlington. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montreal that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Arlington if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Montreal.

One day in Arlington or Montreal?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Montreal?

Arlington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Montreal?

Arlington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Montreal?

Arlington is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arlington and Montreal, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montreal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montreal and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Montreal.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arlington Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington or Montreal?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arlington or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Montreal. Most visitors come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arlington is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arlington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Arlington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arlington or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Arlington because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the autumn, Arlington is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arlington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Arlington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Arlington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arlington or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arlington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. In January, Arlington is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 35°F (1°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Arlington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arlington usually receives less rain than Montreal. Arlington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arlington or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Arlington during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

Arlington is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Arlington. In the spring, Arlington often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Arlington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Arlington