A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Montreal?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Montreal

While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.

Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Havana?

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

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, 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 Havana and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Havana and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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 Havana


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: Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Montreal $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $60
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $73
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $229
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Montreal $62
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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.
    Havana $11
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

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
    Havana $5.76
    Montreal $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Montreal?

Montreal has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Havana is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Havana usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Havana or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Montreal. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Havana is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In October, Havana usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Havana or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Montreal. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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. In January, Havana is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Havana usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Havana or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

Havana is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Montreal. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Havana

Havana Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)