Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Montreal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Montreal or Vancouver?
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 Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Montreal or Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontreal $211Vancouver $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $211, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $142. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontreal $133Vancouver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontreal $266Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Montreal and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Montreal or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montreal $21Vancouver $12
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
- Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
- Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $359
- From Ottawa Private Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $290
- Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $232
- 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
- Ottawa: Private Transfer To Montreal Airport: $215
- Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $215
- Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $196
- Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $166
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $165
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
-
SkyTrain from Airport$6.41
-
Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
-
15 min Taxi Ride$8.80
-
SkyTrain DayPass$6.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
- Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $608
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $599
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $567
- Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $546
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $509
- Private Transfer to Whistler: $468
- Vancouver International Airport to Whistler Private Transfer: $466
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $432
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $432
- YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
- Airport Transfer Service To Burnaby: $407
Is it cheaper to fly into Montreal or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMontreal $36Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
-
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 Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
-
All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $85
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $93
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- Private Historical Food Tour of Gastown : $108
- Granvile Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $112
- VIP Access Granville Island Market Walking Food Tour: $113
- Granvile Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $115
- Evening Cruise with Dinner Buffet: $123
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $125
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $133
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montreal $21Vancouver $36
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)$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
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $131
- Private tour by car from Vancouver to Squamish with E-Scooters: $96
- Tour in a Mountain canyon and Ocean view from the Rock: $75
- Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $178
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $194
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour - Vancouver's Highlights: $220
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $233
- 3 Days Leavenworth & Portland X'mas Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $288
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,400
- 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Vancouver's Highlights: $300
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontreal $17Vancouver $16
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
- 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 Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver Mansions Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $25
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $89
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $90
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $123
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $133
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $135
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $137
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montreal and Vancouver, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montreal Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montreal or Vancouver?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Montreal is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montreal in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. Montreal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontreal 21°C (69°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Montreal during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Montreal is generally cooler than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 8°C (47°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Montreal often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montreal usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontreal 8°C (47°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Vancouver.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Montreal is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montreal usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontreal -10°C (14°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Vancouver.
In the spring, Montreal is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montreal in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Montreal usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontreal 6°C (43°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Montreal
| Montreal | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.