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

Should you visit Detroit or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Detroit and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Detroit, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more touristy than Detroit and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry.

How is Detroit different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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 Detroit. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Detroit is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Detroit and Montreal.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Detroit. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

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.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its old town. However, Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Detroit does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Montreal draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Montreal is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Detroit or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Detroit is not popular with students.

Montreal is a great destination 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.

Detroit is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Detroit or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Montreal?

Detroit 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 Detroit, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Montreal?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Montreal?

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Detroit. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Montreal. Most visitors come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Detroit is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Detroit in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Detroit usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Detroit or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In October, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 54°F (12°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Detroit in the winter. Detroit is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 25°F (-4°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Detroit usually receives less rain than Montreal. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Detroit or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Detroit during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Detroit is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Detroit in April average around 49°F (9°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. In the spring, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montreal. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Detroit