Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Hilo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hilo or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hilo 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: Hilo or Montreal?
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 dayHilo $171Montreal $209
The average daily cost (per person) in Hilo is $171, 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 Hilo and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHilo $71Montreal $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHilo $142Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Hilo and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Hilo 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: Hilo Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hilo $25Montreal $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport to Big Island Hotels: $169
- Private Departure Transfer: Big Island Hotels to Kona International Airport: $169
- Kona Intl Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
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 Hilo or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Hilo 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 dayHilo $70Montreal $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
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.Hilo $32Montreal $21
Tours and Activities in Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Early Morning Whale Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor: $125
- 2018 Eruption Adventure Tour (includes Fissure 8): $199
- 4 Hour Captain Cook Bay Cruise: $99
- 4-hour Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $94
- 6 passengers' max, Sunset Manta Ray Tour in Kailua-Kona: $140
- 9-Line Waterfall Zipline Experience on the Big Island: $240
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Afternoon Kealakekua Snorkel Tour: $129
- Afternoon Marine Adventure: $109
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
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 dayHilo $10Montreal $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 Hilo and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Hilo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hilo Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hilo or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hilo or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Hilo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
Hilo is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 76°F (24°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Montreal. Hilo usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Hilo gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. In July, Hilo usually receives more rain than Montreal. Hilo gets 9.7 inches (247 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 JulyHilo 76°F (24°C)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Hilo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hilo is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hilo in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Hilo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Hilo gets 138 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 Hilo. Hilo usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Hilo gets 9.8 inches (248 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 OctoberHilo 76°F (24°C)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilo and Montreal. Many visitors come to Hilo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montreal can be very cold during winter. In January, Hilo is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Hilo average around 72°F (22°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Hilo usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Hilo gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hilo usually receives more rain than Montreal. Hilo gets 8.7 inches (221 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 JanuaryHilo 72°F (22°C)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Hilo or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hilo as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Hilo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Hilo is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Hilo averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Hilo often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Hilo gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hilo usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Hilo gets 15.6 inches (395 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 AprilHilo 73°F (23°C)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Hilo
| Hilo | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 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.