A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portland or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Portland or Montreal?

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Portland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portland is $180, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $209. 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 Portland and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portland $97
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portland $194
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Portland and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Portland 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 Portland


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: Portland Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portland $28
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

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

  • Portland Airport to The Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $186
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $87
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
  • Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
  • Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $36
  • Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
  • Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
  • Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
  • Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Portland or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Portland 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
    Portland $43
    Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

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

  • Portland Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
  • Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Food Tour: $102
  • The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
  • The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
  • Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
  • All-Inclusive Walking Food Tour: $119

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

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


  • 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: $103
  • 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: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portland $24
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
  • 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
  • 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
  • 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
  • Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
  • Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $75
  • Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
  • Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
  • Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
  • All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
  • Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99

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)
    $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
  • 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: $8.74
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $82
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $211
  • Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
  • Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
  • City tour; afternoon in Montreal: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portland $17
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
  • Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
  • Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
  • From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tour - Full Day Tour: $225
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $230

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
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42


When comparing the travel costs between Portland and Montreal, 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 Portland Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Portland or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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.


When is the best time to visit Portland or Montreal?

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 Portland or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Montreal. Many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Montreal. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portland 68°F (20°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Portland is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Portland often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portland 55°F (13°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Portland can be very cold. In the winter, Portland is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Portland usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during winter. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Portland. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Montreal. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portland 40°F (4°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Portland during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In April, Portland is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Portland. In the spring, Portland often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portland 51°F (11°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Portland

Portland Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)