Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Fairbanks?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fairbanks or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Fairbanks or Montreal?
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the only 'city' in the interior region of Alaska, and the largest settlement for hundreds of miles, but it has many characteristics of a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. Because the city sits at the nexus of some truly epic routes - north to the Arctic, east to Canada and south to Denali - you'll almost inevitably end up spending time here, and that time is rarely boring. The residential streets of compact downtown are pretty as a picture, and during winter, this is ground zero for viewing the aurora borealis.
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 United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFairbanks $272Montreal $209
The average daily cost (per person) in Fairbanks is $272, 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 Fairbanks and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFairbanks $154Montreal $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFairbanks $308Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Fairbanks and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Fairbanks 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: Fairbanks Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fairbanks $66Montreal $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fairbanks
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Fairbanks:
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Full Tank of Gas$90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
- Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
- Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $36
- Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Fairbanks or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Fairbanks 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 dayFairbanks $63Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two at Pike's Landing$63
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Totem Inn Breakfast for Two$46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- "Aurora Ice" - Ice Fishing & Salmon Dinner Tour: $210
- Best Northern Lights Aurora Adventure FREE Portraits & Hot Pizza : $300
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$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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fairbanks $65Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fairbanks
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fairbanks's activities, tours, and tickets:
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The Riverboat Discovery Trip$55
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1 Day Mountain Bike Rental$27
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Canoe Rental with Pickup$56
Tours and Activities in Fairbanks
For Fairbanks, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska: $215
- 1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation): $135
- 3 Hour Ice Fishing Experience: $135
- 3-Hour Small Group 9-Hole Self-Guided Fairbanks Golf Experience: $110
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks: $140
- Angel Rocks Hike and Chena Hot-Springs Soak Guided Tour: $195
- Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour from Fairbanks: $290
- Aurora Borealis Viewing and Ice Fishing Adventure: $229
- Aurora Borealis tour with Free Photography: $180
- Aurora Chaser Tour: $125
- Budget Aurora Borealis tour, Fairbanks, Alaska : $125
- Chasing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Tour with PHOTOGRAPHY: $199
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)$53
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFairbanks $27Montreal $16
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
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Montreal, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Montreal in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Montreal. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.
Fairbanks is cooler than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 64°F (18°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFairbanks 64°F (18°C)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the autumn, Fairbanks is much colder than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fairbanks in October average around 27°F (-3°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFairbanks 27°F (-3°C)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Winter?
Both Montreal and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montreal can be very cold during winter. Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around -9°F (-23°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFairbanks -9°F (-23°C)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Spring?
Both Montreal and Fairbanks during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.
Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Fairbanks is much colder than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 32°F (0°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFairbanks 32°F (0°C)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Fairbanks
| Fairbanks | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -9°F (-23°C) | 0.5 inches (13 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | -2°F (-19°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 32°F (0°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 62°F (16°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 64°F (18°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 58°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 47°F (8°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 4°F (-15°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | -5°F (-21°C) | 0.9 inches (23 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.