Which place is cheaper, Montreal or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Juan or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: San Juan or Montreal?
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $192Montreal $209
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, 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 Juan and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Montreal $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in San Juan 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 Juan Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Montreal $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $271
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $271
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
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 Juan or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and San Juan 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 Juan $36Montreal $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
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 Juan $49Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
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 Juan $12Montreal $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
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 Juan 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. Even though San Juan is in Caribbean Islands and Montreal is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of San Juan 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 Juan or Montreal?
Montreal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit San Juan or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In July, San Juan is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (83°F), 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 San Juan. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, San Juan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 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 JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and San Juan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
San Juan is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 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 OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Montreal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
Montreal can be very cold during winter. In the winter, San Juan is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Juan usually receives less rain than Montreal. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Montreal. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, San Juan is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 26°C (79°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets more sunshine than Montreal. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
San Juan usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 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 AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and San Juan
| San Juan | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.