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

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

Miami

Miami is a exciting, diverse, and bustling beach 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Miami travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Miami and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Miami. Montreal is bigger than Miami, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions and historical sights, while Miami is more popular for its food, resorts, and beaches. Miami is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Miami different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Montreal.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

Montreal is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Montreal.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Miami is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Miami is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Miami is a very popular vacation destination. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Miami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Montreal?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montreal and Miami.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Montreal is a great beach city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami and Montreal are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the 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.

Is Miami or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Is Miami or Montreal a more walkable city?

Miami and Montreal both are very good when exploring on foot.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Miami?

How long in Miami or Montreal?

In either Miami or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Miami because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Miami than Montreal. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Miami, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Miami 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 Miami or Montreal?

Miami is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Montreal, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Montreal?

Miami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Montreal?

Miami 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 fun place to experience. In Montreal, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Miami or Montreal?

Miami 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 beach city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

When comparing the travel costs between Miami and Montreal, we can see that Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Miami or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, 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 July, Miami is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 83°F (28°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the summer, Miami often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Montreal. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Miami is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Montreal. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Miami or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Miami for 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. In the winter, Miami is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Miami in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the winter, Miami often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Miami or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Miami in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Miami is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 75°F (24°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Miami 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 Miami