Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tokyo or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Montreal?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Montreal $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, 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 Tokyo and Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $77Montreal $132
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $154Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Montreal $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Tokyo and Hakuba or Nozawa: $1,177
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $843
- Private Transfers between Tokyo and Snow Monkey Park: $822
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $732
- Haneda airport to/from Naeba city Private Transfer: $673
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Haneda airport to/from Karuizawa Town Private Transfer: $588
- 10-hour Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $562
- One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nikko: $536
- Narita Airport: Private one way transfer by Luxury car/Van: $497
- Haneda Airport to/from Kamakura City Private Transfer: $497
- Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $471
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 Tokyo or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal and Tokyo 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
-
Food Meals for one dayTokyo $37Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.23
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.23
-
Meal at Airport$6.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji 90-Minute cooking class: $54
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $61
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $65
- Japanese Home Cooking Class near Tokyo Disneyland: $66
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $67
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $69Montreal $21
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $100
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $100
- Mt. Fuji Roundtrip Tours From Shinjuku, Japan: $84
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $137
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $134
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $500
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $490
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $147
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya: The Best of Both: $152
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33Montreal $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $80
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $92
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $98
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $105
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $137
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $167
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $233
Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:
-
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 Tokyo and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Tokyo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tokyo 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 Tokyo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Montreal?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montreal. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
It's quite sunny in Montreal. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Montreal. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Montreal in the Autumn?
Both Montreal and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Tokyo is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Tokyo gets 129 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 Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Montreal. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montreal can be very cold during winter. In January, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Montreal. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Montreal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Tokyo is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.