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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Montreal?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Gatlinburg

Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours 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 Gatlinburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gatlinburg is $190, 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 Gatlinburg and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gatlinburg $80
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gatlinburg $160
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Gatlinburg and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg


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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gatlinburg $35
    Montreal $20

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 Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Gatlinburg 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
    Gatlinburg $85
    Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Gatlinburg

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


  • Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)
    $21

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.
    Gatlinburg $24
    Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg

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


  • Horseback Riding Photos
    $22
  • Horseback Riding (for 2)
    $55

Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg

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

  • 3-Hour Nantahala River Fully Guided Rafting Experience: $65
  • 6-Line Zip at Night Tour: $72
  • 7-Line Zipline Experience in Sevierville: $119
  • Admission Ticket: Brian Hoffman's Remembering Red - A Tribute to Red Skelton: $35
  • Admission Ticket: Patty Waszak Show in Pigeon Forge: $35
  • Appalachian Trail Adventure: $175
  • Beyond The Lens Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $27
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (Cherokee to Asheville) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Douglas Lake View Scenic Helicopter Tour: $41
  • East Tennessee Off Road ATV Guided Experience: $71
  • Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour by Helicopter: $63

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.

  • 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 day
    Gatlinburg $15
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Gatlinburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:

  • Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $70

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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 780 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Montreal. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Gatlinburg. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Montreal.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)