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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively 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 Jacksonville travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Jacksonville and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Jacksonville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jacksonville attracts visitors for its beaches. Montreal is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Jacksonville different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Jacksonville and Montreal.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Jacksonville is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Montreal are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Is Jacksonville or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Jacksonville offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Montreal?

Jacksonville 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jacksonville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Jacksonville or Montreal?

Jacksonville 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Montreal?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Montreal, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Jacksonville. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Montreal. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Jacksonville is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Jacksonville is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jacksonville in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jacksonville 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. In January, Jacksonville is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 53°F (12°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Jacksonville is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Jacksonville