A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Montreal for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Oaxaca de Juarez. Montreal is bigger than Oaxaca de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its food and historical sights. Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal.

Travelers visit Oaxaca de Juarez from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Music?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Montreal is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

If you're looking to go shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal both offer plenty of world-class spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Oaxaca de Juarez. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

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

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal Better for Students?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montreal. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.


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

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a few public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Montreal

Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal are great when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

In either Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Montreal has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montreal than Oaxaca de Juarez. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez than Montreal 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.


  • How many days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Montreal is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Oaxaca de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $54
    Montreal $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $54, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $228. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $19
    Montreal $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $38
    Montreal $256
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal? 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.

Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez


Hotels in Montreal


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: Oaxaca de Juarez Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $465
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $436
  • 4 Day Oaxaca Excursion with Transfer included: $300
  • Oaxaca Airport: Private Transfer Service: $130
  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $88
  • Private Transfer Oaxaca Airport to Hotel or Airbnb 24/7: $79
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca: $70
  • Oaxaca Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca de Juárez - Round-Trip Transfer: $58
  • Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) to Oaxaca hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer in Oaxaca Safe and Reliable Service: $53
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca Airport to Oaxaca City: $50
  • Transfer Oaxaca Centro Boerve del Agua: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $492
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $295
  • Private Airport Transfer In/Out of Montreal: $232
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $232
  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center: $216
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $208
  • Private Transfer from Burlington Airport (BTV) to Montreal: $202
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $181
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $174
  • Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $155
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Oaxaca de Juarez 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 day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $24
    Montreal $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oaxaca de Juarez

For Oaxaca de Juarez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oaxaca: Walking Traditional Food Tour with Ancestral Drinks: $26
  • Food Tour at the 20 de Noviembre Market (All Inclusive): $52
  • Oaxaca: Guided Food Tour with Local Chef and food experts: $54
  • Legends and Ghosts Sightseeing Tour in Downtown Oaxaca with Dinner: $55
  • Taste Oaxaca Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
  • FOOD TOUR IN THE ABASTOS MARKET: $61
  • Oaxaca: Evening Street Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $66
  • Oaxaca Streets Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Bike Ride and Street Food Tour in Oaxaca: $70
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $70
  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $74
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour: Bagels, Smoked Meat & Poutine: $84
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $86
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour: Bagels, Smoked Meat & Poutine: $86
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $86
  • Jean Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Food Tastings: $87
  • Montreal Elite Mile End Food Tour: $97
  • Jean-Talon Market & Beyond Locally Owned Food Tour: $98
  • Montreal Mile End Food Tour with Bagel, Poutine & 7 Tastings: $99
  • Montreal Mile End Guided Food Tour by Local Montreal Tours: $99
  • Thai Cooking Class Focused on Sauces: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12
    Montreal $20

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $128
  • 8-Hour Monte Albán Tour from Oaxaca: $51
  • Among Flowers and Candles: A Tour of Oaxaca's Cemeteries: $86
  • An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $82
  • Ancestral Mezcal Tour Experience-A pre Hispanic Heritage: $68
  • Archaeological sites Tour and Red Pottery in Tlacolula: $170
  • Art & Flavors of Oaxaca Experience: $141
  • Art Workshops and Chocolate Shops Tour in Oaxaca: $58
  • Artisanal Mezcal Culture Tour for Tasting and History: $106
  • Authentic Mezcal Experience Oaxaca Small Group Local Producers: $97
  • Bike Adventure to the World's Widest Tree: $25
  • Bike Adventure to the World's Widest Tree – Fun Guided Ride: $26

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)
    $52

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • 1H-Guided Montreal Jet Ski Sunset Adventure: $149
  • 3 Day and 2 Night Tour: Toronto, 1000 Islands, and Niagara Falls: $300
  • AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: $79
  • Best of Montreal Walking Tour Experience: $57
  • Best of Montreal Walking Tour Experience: $56
  • Bike / E-bike Tour : Downtown, Old Montreal, Waterfront by Fitz: $68
  • Bike / E-bike tour : Plateau, Mile-End, Jean-Talon Market by Fitz: $68
  • Bike/E-bike tour Plateau,MileEnd, Jean-Talon Market by Fitz: $66
  • Bike/E-bike tour: Old town, Lachine canal, Islands with wine/beer: $68
  • Canadian Beer Guided Tasting Tour of Montreal Bars and Pubs: $266
  • City Tour; Montreal Bucket List: $94
  • City tour; Like a Montrealer: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Shots and Party Games: $19
  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl: $19
  • Oaxaca: Sustainable Mezcal Tour at an Award-Winning Family Distillery: $24
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $55
  • Breakfast in Tlacolula; Ancestral and industrial mezcal distillery: $55
  • Hierve el Agua, Mitla, El Tule Tree, Rugs, Mezcal Distillery Tour: $58
  • Hierve el Agua and Distillery of Mezcal Tour: $60
  • Hierve el Agua and distillery of mezcal tour: $60
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua & Mezcal Distillery Small-Group Tour: $70
  • Distillery Tour and Agave Fields by Mal de Amor Mezcal: $70
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $141

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:

  • Montreal Distillery Tour and Spirit Tasting at Cirka: $18
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $25
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Burlesque Dance Class: $47
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $84
  • Montréal: Women in Wine Tour with Tastings and Snacks: $84
  • Quebec Cheese and Wine Tasting: $94
  • Experience the Flavors of Montérégie on a Guided Wine Tour: $283


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

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


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez 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.