Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Montreal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montreal or Toronto?
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 Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Montreal or Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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 $211Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $211, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $205. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontreal $133Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontreal $266Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Montreal and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Montreal or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montreal $21Toronto $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Montreal International Airport to Quebec City: $995
- Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
- Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $89
- Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $49
- Private Transfer from Montreal hotels to Montréal Airport (YUL): $57
- Private Transfer from Montreal city to Montreal Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Montreal Port to Montreal Airport (YUL): $36
- Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $36
- Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $92
- Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $359
- Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $196
- Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
- Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $827
- Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $710
- Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $675
- Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $666
- Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $297
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Hamilton: $281
- Niagara Falls private transfers : $278
Is it cheaper to fly into Montreal or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $36Toronto $65
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$9.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Walking Food Tour: $48
- Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $55
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $60
- Historical Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $66
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $73
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
- Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $82
- Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour - by Local Montreal Tours: $88
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
- The (Anti-Package, Small-Group ) Montreal Food Tour: $127
- Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $130
- Cooking Class & Tasting with Michelin-Trained Chef: $137
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $60
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $73
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $75
- Kensington Market International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $87
- Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour : $96
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour with Optional Boat & Dinner: $110
- Toronto Obsession III Dinner Cruise: $128
- Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional): $155
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $156
- Toronto World Food Tour : $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montreal $21Toronto $31
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)$54
Tours and Activities in Montreal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.
- Montreal ZOO, private half day tour: $209
- 1 Day Tour at Kingston City 1000 Island Cruise: $126
- 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
- 1 Hour Tour of Old-Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac: $221
- 1 hrs Jetski guided tour on the St-Lawrence river Old Port Mtl: $106
- 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
- 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $55
- 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
- 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $64
- 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: $8.91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.33
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Private Photoshoot Experience in Toronto: $74
- 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $224
- 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
- 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $201
- 2 Hour Toronto City Tour with Optional Boat: $48
- 2hr Shared Sailing Experience in Toronto: $140
- 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $179
- 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
- 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $110
- Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $34
- Adventures in Abstract Paint Pouring : $30
- Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontreal $17Toronto $22
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
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
- Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Rooftop Bars: $87
Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.16
- Toronto Distillery District: Finest Whisky Quest Experience: $8.28
- Toronto Bar Hunt: Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $12
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $18
- Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour: $25
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $36
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $40
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $42
When comparing the travel costs between Montreal and Toronto, 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 Montreal Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montreal or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Montreal. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
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 Toronto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Toronto.
In the summer, Montreal is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montreal in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto 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 Toronto during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Toronto. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontreal 21°C (69°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Toronto.
In October, Montreal is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 8°C (47°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Montreal often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontreal 8°C (47°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Montreal can be very cold during winter. Montreal is much colder than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montreal usually receives more rain than Toronto. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontreal -10°C (14°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Spring?
Both Toronto and Montreal during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Montreal is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montreal in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontreal 6°C (43°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Montreal
| Montreal | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 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.