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

Should you visit Galveston or Montreal?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a coastal, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Galveston 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Galveston and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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 Galveston or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Galveston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Galveston is known for its beaches and small town charm. Galveston is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Galveston different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Galveston can be an interesting and educational experience. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.


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

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

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.

Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Music?

Galveston
Montreal

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

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Galveston is not a live music destination.


Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Montreal

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

Many people head to Galveston to enjoy the beach. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Galveston or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is great for its old town. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Galveston offers a nice historic old town area. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Montreal?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.


Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Families?

Galveston
Montreal

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Galveston or Montreal.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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.

Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Couples?

Galveston
Montreal

Both Galveston and Montreal are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Galveston is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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.

Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Galveston is not a good destination for backpackers.

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.


Is Galveston or Montreal Better for Students?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination 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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Galveston or Montreal a more walkable city?

Galveston
Montreal

Montreal is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable town. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.


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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Galveston. 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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galveston 1-3 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Galveston or Montreal?

The town of Galveston 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Montreal?

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

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Galveston or Montreal?

Galveston 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Galveston or Montreal?

Galveston 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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Galveston?

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

  • Galveston Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Galveston $221
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $221, 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 Galveston and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Galveston 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 Galveston


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Quebec City: $995
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $394
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $232
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $229
  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Galveston 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
    Galveston $90
    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.
    Galveston $15
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • Al's Ghost tour : a small group experience : $19
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $30
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $28
  • Beer Tasting Experience with 4 Beer Flight: $10
  • Combo: "Dark of the Moon" Ghost Tour + Red Light District Tour: $29
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $30
  • Galveston Gilded Age Architecture Tour: $85
  • Galveston Haunted Harbor Tour: 1-Hour Boat Ride at Night : $45
  • Galveston Historical Harbor Tours: $35
  • Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour: $75
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $29

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.

  • Experience Montréal Axe Throwing Adventure: $29
  • The Ultimate Montreal Boat Tour – Fall Colors Apéro Edition : $23
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $24
  • 1h-Relaxing day or sunset cruise in Montreal: $127
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
  • A Walking Tour of Old Montreal: $25
  • AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: $76
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $96
  • Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $103
  • Best of Montréal: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour: $20
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $20
  • Haunted Pub Crawl & Scandalous Red Light Tour in Galveston: $29
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl and Historical Tour near The Strand: $29
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35

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 Galveston and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Galveston Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the summer, Galveston is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Galveston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Montreal. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Galveston during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Galveston is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 71°F (22°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Galveston usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Montreal. Many travelers come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. Galveston is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Galveston usually receives less rain than Montreal. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Galveston or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Galveston in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Galveston is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Galveston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Galveston usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Galveston

Galveston Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)