Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Reykjavik or Montreal?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246Montreal $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $210. 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 Reykjavik and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Montreal $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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.
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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Montreal $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavík: South Coast Guided Day Trip by Jeep with Transfer: $1,776
- Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,183
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
- From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $288
- Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos: $283
- Lava Tunnel Caving with Transfer | Small Group: $283
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $280
- Private transfer: Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport (KEF): $277
- Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik: $270
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
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 Reykjavik or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
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$9.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $59
- 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
- Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $130
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $207
- Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E Scooter Adventure: $66
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $64
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $438
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure & Whale Watching from Reykjavik: $289
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $169
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $28Montreal $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
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 Reykjavik and Montreal, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Montreal in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Montreal. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Montreal. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Montreal in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Montreal in the Winter?
Both Montreal and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Montreal in the Spring?
Both Montreal and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 99 mm (3.9 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.