A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Atlantic City and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Atlantic City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Atlantic City different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montreal is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Atlantic City and Montreal.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for live music. However, Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

Atlantic City is not a live music destination.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City 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.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlantic City and Montreal are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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 Atlantic City or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Atlantic City is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Atlantic City is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Is Atlantic City or Montreal a more walkable city?

Atlantic City and Montreal both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Montreal?

In either Atlantic City or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Atlantic City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Atlantic City, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Montreal?

The city of Atlantic City offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Atlantic City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlantic City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Atlantic City or Montreal?

Atlantic City is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Montreal. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlantic City and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Montreal?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches 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 July, Atlantic City is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 75°F (24°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Montreal. Many visitors come to Atlantic City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Atlantic City is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 56°F (13°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Montreal. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Atlantic City 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. Atlantic City can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Atlantic City is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlantic City in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Atlantic City often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, Atlantic City is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 51°F (10°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Atlantic City