Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Montreal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montreal or Winnipeg?
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 Winnipeg can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Montreal or Winnipeg?
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.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Its heart is The Forks, a historic site at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, with warehouses converted to shops and restaurants, plus ample green space dedicated to festivals, concerts and exhibits. Nearby, the Exchange District is known for its well-preserved, early 20th-century architecture and numerous art galleries. Rising above the prairie, Winnipeg is a metropolis where you least expect it. Cultured, confident and captivating, it’s more than just a pit stop on the Trans-Canada haul, but a destination in its own right, with a couple of world-class museums and a wonderfully diverse dining scene.
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 $209Winnipeg $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Montreal is $209, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $251. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontreal $131Winnipeg $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontreal $262Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Montreal and Winnipeg
Looking for a hotel in Montreal or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montreal $20Winnipeg -
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 : $224
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Montreal Private Transfer 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
- One Way Private transfer from Montreal Airport to/ from Montreal: $84
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg
Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
- Arrivals Private Transfer from Richardson Airport: $141
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $122
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $61
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport: $61
- Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Montreal or Winnipeg?
Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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 $36Winnipeg $5.40
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: $104
- Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $130
- 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: $216
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montreal $21Winnipeg $2.52
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
- 1 Hour Tour of Old-Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac: $220
- 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: $8.73
- All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
- Awesome Curling Experience : $82
- Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $212
- Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
- Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
Tours and Activities in Winnipeg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.
- Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.23
- Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.73
- Louis Riel & Red River Metis Trails Tour: $74
- Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $5.23
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Winnipeg, MB: $11
- Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $49
- Sights of South Winnipeg Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.23
- The Indigenous Residential School Museum Private Tour: $82
- The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.35
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
- Walk Downtown Winnipeg with 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Tours: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontreal $16Winnipeg -
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 Montreal and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montreal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montreal 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 Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg than you might in Montreal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montreal Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montreal or Winnipeg?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?
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 Winnipeg in the Summer?
Both Winnipeg and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Montreal is generally around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 21°C (69°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontreal 21°C (69°F)Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Autumn?
Both Winnipeg and Montreal during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Montreal is a little warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the autumn, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontreal 8°C (47°F)Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Winnipeg.
The weather in Winnipeg can be very cold. Montreal can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Montreal is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montreal in January average around -10°C (14°F), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).
Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Montreal usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontreal -10°C (14°F)Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)
Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Winnipeg.
In April, Montreal is generally around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 6°C (43°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. In the spring, Montreal often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.
Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontreal 6°C (43°F)Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Montreal
| Montreal | Winnipeg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -17°C (2°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (8°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | -6°C (22°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -13°C (9°F) | 19 mm (0.7 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.