Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Montreal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montreal or Ottawa?
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 Montreal and Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Montreal or Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontreal $209Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $209, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Montreal and Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontreal $131Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontreal $262Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Montreal and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Montreal or Ottawa? 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: Montreal Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montreal $20Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
- Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
- Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
- One Way Private transfer from Montreal Airport to/ from Montreal: $84
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $162
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $116
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $78
- Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Montreal or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Montreal 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 dayMontreal $36Ottawa $17
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: $49
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $58
- Montréal, l'ultime Food Tour pour les gourmands !: $58
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $73
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $73
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
- Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $159
- Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with music: $162
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $206
- Montreal Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $248
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montreal $21Ottawa $40
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.
- Montreal ZOO, private half day tour: $207
- 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
- 1 Hour Tour of Old-Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac: $219
- 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $44
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
- 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $78
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.71
- All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
- Awesome Curling Experience : $82
- Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $68
- Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $210
- Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $81
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.66
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $185
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise: $36
- Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontreal $16Ottawa $18
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montreal and Ottawa, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montreal Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montreal or Ottawa?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Ottawa, 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 Montreal or Ottawa?
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 Montreal or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Ottawa.
Montreal is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montreal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montreal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontreal 21°C (69°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Ottawa.
In the autumn, Montreal is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montreal in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Montreal often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ottawa. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontreal 8°C (47°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. In January, Montreal is generally around the same temperature as Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around -10°C (14°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montreal usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontreal -10°C (14°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa and Montreal during the spring are popular places to visit.
Montreal is around the same temperature as Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontreal 6°C (43°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Montreal
| Montreal | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.