Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai or Montreal?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Montreal $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $210. 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 Chiang Mai and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Montreal $132
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Montreal $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
-
Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $218
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $205
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $150
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $145
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $145
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $223
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
- Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $10Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
-
Casual Breakfast$1.09
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
-
Mangoes$0.82
-
Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
-
Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee$9.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $59
- 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
- Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $130
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $207
- Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$35
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
-
Kratong Lessons$2.72
-
Pedicure$4.08
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
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)$54
Tours and Activities in Montreal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.
- 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
- 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $44
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
- 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
- 3Hr Montreal Architecture Bike Tour with regular or E-bikes Beer & wine included: $64
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.74
- All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
- Awesome Curling Experience : $82
- Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $211
- Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
- Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
- City tour; afternoon in Montreal: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Montreal $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Montreal?
Montreal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Montreal. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Montreal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
The weather in Montreal can be very cold. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Montreal. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -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.