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

Should you visit Columbia or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia 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. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Columbia and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Montreal. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Montreal is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Columbia or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good 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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Montreal?

The city of Columbia offers nightlife 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 big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Columbia or Montreal?

Columbia 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Five days in Columbia or Montreal?

Columbia 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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montreal, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Montreal?

Columbia 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 city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Columbia and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Montreal. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbia is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Columbia is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Columbia gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Columbia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Columbia is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Columbia gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Montreal. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Columbia is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia usually receives less rain than Montreal. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Columbia