Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Boston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Boston or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boston and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Boston or Montreal?
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBoston $255Montreal $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Boston is $255, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $211. 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 Boston and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBoston $166Montreal $133
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBoston $332Montreal $266
Compare Hotels in Boston and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Boston 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.
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: Boston Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Boston $37Montreal $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
- Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $972
- Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $696
- Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
- Private Transfer from Boston Airport to Providence RI: $294
- Boston Logan Airport to Killington/Okemo Private Transfer: $288
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $247
- Flynn Cruise port Boston to Boston hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Boston (hotel OR airport pick-up): $183
- Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $173
- Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $171
- Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montreal Port to Montreal Airport (YUL): $37
- Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $37
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $48
- Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $49
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Montreal hotels to Montréal Airport (YUL): $58
- Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $59
- Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $61
- Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $65
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $71
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Boston or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Boston 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
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Food Meals for one dayBoston $49Montreal $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- Self Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Solo Walking Tour : $5.50
- AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $55
- Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $55
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $60
- Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $60
- Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $76
- Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
- Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $95
- Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $99
- Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110
- Chinatown’s Culture and Cuisine Neighborhood Food Tour: $115
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
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Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee$9.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Walking Food Tour: $48
- Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $55
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $60
- Historical Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $66
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $82
- Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour - by Local Montreal Tours: $89
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $104
- The (Anti-Package, Small-Group ) Montreal Food Tour: $127
- Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $130
- Cooking Class & Tasting with Michelin-Trained Chef: $137
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Boston $33Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- Boston Massachusetts Private Photography Tour: $130
- "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
- 1 If By Land Walking Tours: $45
- 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
- 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Boston: $48
- 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
- 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
- 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour: $40
- 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $50
- 90-Minute Historical Walking Tour in Boston: $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Botanical Gardens (family of 4)$54
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: $3.27
- Montreal self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.36
- Montreal Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Montréal's Mile End to Outremont: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Culture Tsunami Quest Experience in Montreal Old Town: $7.23
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.62
- Self-Guided Old Town Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $7.88
- Prohibition Quest Experience: $8.35
- Escape Game and Tour: $8.71
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.91
- Montreal Art Center & Museum Audio Guided Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBoston $27Montreal $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
- Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
- Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
- Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:
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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
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
- Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Rooftop Bars: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boston and Montreal, we can see that Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Boston or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston or Montreal in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Boston as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Boston is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 73°F (23°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 Boston this time of the year. In the summer, Boston often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Boston gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Boston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBoston 73°F (23°C)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Boston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Boston is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boston averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Boston usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Boston gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Boston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Boston gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBoston 54°F (12°C)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Winter?
Both Montreal and Boston during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Boston can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Boston is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boston in January average around 29°F (-2°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Boston often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Boston gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.
Boston usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Boston gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBoston 29°F (-2°C)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Boston or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Boston and Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Boston is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Boston average around 48°F (9°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boston usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Boston gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Boston usually receives more rain than Montreal. Boston gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBoston 48°F (9°C)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Boston
| Boston | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
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.