A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Moncton vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Moncton 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 Moncton 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.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Moncton and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moncton or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Moncton different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal and Moncton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Moncton or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Is the Food Better in Moncton or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montreal is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

People head to Montreal just to party. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Moncton is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Moncton is not a live music destination.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its historic old town charm. However, Moncton does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Moncton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Moncton or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Moncton is not popular with students.

Is Moncton or Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Moncton is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Moncton or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

For even more information, also check out Is Moncton Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Moncton?

How long in Moncton or Montreal?

In either Moncton or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Moncton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Moncton, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Moncton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Montreal, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Moncton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montreal that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Moncton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Montreal.

One day in Moncton or Montreal?

The city of Moncton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Moncton or Montreal?

Moncton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moncton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Moncton or Montreal?

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Moncton or Montreal?

Moncton is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moncton and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Moncton.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moncton Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Moncton or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Moncton 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 Moncton 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 Moncton or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Moncton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Moncton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Moncton is around the same temperature as Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Moncton averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. In July, Moncton usually receives more rain than Montreal. Moncton gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Moncton or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Moncton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Moncton in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Moncton is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moncton in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. Moncton usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Moncton gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Moncton or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moncton and Montreal. Most visitors come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Moncton can be very cold during winter. In January, Moncton is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Moncton average around -8°C (17°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Moncton usually receives more rain than Montreal. Moncton gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Moncton or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Moncton as well as Montreal. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. Moncton is much colder than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Moncton averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the spring. Moncton usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Moncton gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Moncton