Which place is cheaper, Montreal or San Diego?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Diego 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 San Diego 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: San Diego or Montreal?
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Diego $202Montreal $209
The average daily cost (per person) in San Diego is $202, 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 San Diego and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Diego $115Montreal $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Diego $230Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in San Diego and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in San Diego 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: San Diego Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Diego $24Montreal $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $240
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $188
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $176
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
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 San Diego or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and San Diego 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 daySan Diego $45Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
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: $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Diego $48Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
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
- 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 daySan Diego $21Montreal $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
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 comparing the travel costs between San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Diego or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and San Diego are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, San Diego is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Diego in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. San Diego gets 306 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Diego usually receives less rain than Montreal. San Diego gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Diego 71°F (22°C)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and San Diego during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, San Diego is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Diego average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. In the autumn, San Diego often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Diego gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Diego usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. San Diego gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Diego 68°F (20°C)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Diego and Montreal. Most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Montreal can be very cold. San Diego is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in San Diego averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Diego usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. San Diego gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Diego usually receives less rain than Montreal. San Diego gets 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Diego 57°F (14°C)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit San Diego or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Diego as well as Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, San Diego is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Diego in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In the spring, San Diego often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Diego gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
San Diego usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. San Diego gets 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Diego 62°F (17°C)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and San Diego
| San Diego | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) | -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.