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

Should you visit Bangor or Montreal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Bangor travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Bangor and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bangor or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Bangor and Montreal are popular destinations, Montreal has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Montreal is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangor or Montreal?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. 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.

Bangor is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.


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

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bangor. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Bangor is not a good town for nightlife.

Montreal has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bangor. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Music?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Bangor is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Bangor is not a live music destination.


Is Bangor or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Bangor does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Montreal?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Families?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Montreal is known to be 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.

Bangor is a family-friendly town. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.


Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Couples?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

Is Bangor or Montreal Better for Students?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Bangor is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular city 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.

Bangor is not popular with students.


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

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Bangor is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Is Bangor or Montreal a more walkable city?

Bangor
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Montreal?

In either Bangor or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Bangor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Bangor. 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 Bangor. 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 Bangor 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.


  • How many days in Bangor or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Bangor or Montreal?

The town of Bangor offers food and shopping. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Bangor or Montreal?

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

Montreal is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bangor or Montreal?

Bangor is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Montreal?

Bangor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the colorful big city of Montreal. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Bangor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangor $237
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $237, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $235. 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 Bangor and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Bangor 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.

Hotels in Bangor


Hotels in Montreal


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $60
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $73
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $99
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $111
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Bangor 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 day
    Bangor $93
    Montreal $62

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $61
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $77
  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $81
  • Mile End District Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $81
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $89
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $115
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129
  • Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Montreal $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

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)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Montreal City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Montreal Prohibition Mystery: Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $7.20
  • Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.74
  • Old Montreal Historical Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Montreal's Golden Square Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port: $12
  • Art Center and Museum Audio Guided Tour: $12
  • Irish Famine in Montreal Walking Tour: $20
  • Montreal Old Port: Urban Zipline Ticket: $21
  • Musée des Hospitalières Entry & Digital City Tour: $21
  • Old Montreal in 90 Minutes Walking Tour: $22
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Montreal $16

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 Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $24
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Bangor and Montreal, we can see that Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor 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 Bangor 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 Bangor or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Bangor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bangor is around the same temperature as Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Bangor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Montreal. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bangor is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In October, Bangor usually receives more rain than Montreal. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Bangor during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bangor because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Bangor can be very cold. In January, Bangor is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Bangor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montreal. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Montreal. The small town charm are the main draw to Bangor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

Bangor is around the same temperature as Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Bangor usually receives more rain than Montreal. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Bangor

Bangor Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)