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

Should you visit Houston or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Houston 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Houston and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Houston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Houston and Montreal both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Houston. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Montreal just to party. 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.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

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.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Houston and Montreal are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. 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 Houston or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Houston or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit 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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known 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 Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Houston or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known 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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Houston?

How long in Houston or Montreal?

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

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

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Montreal, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Houston or Montreal?

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

In Montreal, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Houston or Montreal?

Houston 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 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 Houston or Montreal?

Houston 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.

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 The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Houston and Montreal, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montreal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montreal 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Montreal.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Montreal. Many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

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

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Montreal. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

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

In April, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Houston