A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Diego vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

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.

San Diego

San Diego is a dynamic, energetic, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See San Diego travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

San Diego and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Diego or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than San Diego, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while San Diego is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Diego is more touristy than Montreal and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is San Diego different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Diego or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Is the Food Better in San Diego or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both San Diego and Montreal.

San Diego has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Dining out in Montreal is an experience not to be missed. 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 San Diego or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

San Diego has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for its live music scene. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Montreal. 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.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in San Diego. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Resorts?

San Diego is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Beaches?

San Diego is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, San Diego is a very popular vacation destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its old town. However, San Diego does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Montreal. 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.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Hiking?

San Diego is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Diego or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Montreal draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is San Diego or Montreal More Beautiful?

San Diego is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Diego offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Many people enjoy city's beautiful coastline and surrounding natural beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Families?

San Diego is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Couples?

San Diego is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, San Diego has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both San Diego and Montreal are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 San Diego or Montreal Better for Students?

For students, both San Diego and Montreal are first-rate places to visit.

San Diego is a very popular place to visit for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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.

Is San Diego or Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Montreal can get you around easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is San Diego or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is San Diego Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or San Diego?

How long in San Diego or Montreal?

In either San Diego or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Montreal. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Diego than Montreal. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Diego that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than San Diego 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 Montreal.

One day in San Diego or Montreal?

The coastal city of San Diego offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in San Diego or Montreal?

San Diego is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in San Diego or Montreal?

San Diego is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Diego, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in San Diego or Montreal?

San Diego is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for 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.

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. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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.

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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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.

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. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

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.

Typical Weather for Montreal and San Diego