Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Rotterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rotterdam or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Rotterdam or Montreal?
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotterdam €152Montreal €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Montreal is €195. 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 Rotterdam and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotterdam €77Montreal €123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotterdam €154Montreal €246
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rotterdam €26Montreal €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
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 : $223
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal 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
- Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotterdam or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Rotterdam 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 dayRotterdam €54Montreal €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
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€8.39
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.Rotterdam €32Montreal €20
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
- Best of small-group walking tour: $97
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
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)€50
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 dayRotterdam €19Montreal €15
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
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€17
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 Rotterdam and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Rotterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Rotterdam is cooler than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyRotterdam 17°C (62°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Rotterdam is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rotterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 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 OctoberRotterdam 11°C (51°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Montreal. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 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 JanuaryRotterdam 2°C (36°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Rotterdam or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.
Rotterdam is a little warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Rotterdam usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilRotterdam 8°C (46°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Rotterdam
| Rotterdam | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.