A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nags Head vs. Montreal for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

It's also popular because of the nightlife and food. See Nags Head 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Nags Head and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Nags Head, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is more touristy than Nags Head and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Nags Head is well known for

How is Nags Head different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Montreal?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Montreal from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Montreal

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Montreal. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for nightlife and partying.

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.

Nags Head has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find the widest variety of nightlife options in the Outer Banks here. There are a number of bars and clubs around town where you can enjoy a drink or dance late into the night. During the peak summer months there's often live music at many places.

Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for Music?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital 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.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.


Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is great for its historic old town. However, Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Nags Head does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Montreal?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Montreal. 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for Families?

Nags Head
Montreal

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Montreal.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Montreal is a very kid-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 Nags Head or Montreal Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is great for romance. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its romantic activities.

Montreal is a great 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.

Nags Head makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Montreal

For backpackers, both Nags Head and Montreal are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

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.

Is Nags Head or Montreal Better for Students?

Nags Head
Montreal

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

Many students frequent 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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.


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

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nags Head. There's no real public transit around town, so you'll need to have your own car.

Is Nags Head or Montreal a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Montreal

Montreal is great for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Nags Head is generally not very walkable. This is one of the least walkable towns in the Outer Banks. You'll need a car to reach most restaurants and other activities in the area.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Montreal?

In either Nags Head or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Nags Head or Montreal?

The of Nags Head offers food and nightlife. 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.

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 Nags Head or Montreal?

Nags Head is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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 Nags Head or Montreal?

Nags Head is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nags Head, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Nags Head or Montreal?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Nags Head?

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

  • Nags Head Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nags Head $179
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $179, 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 Nags Head and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    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
  • Private Airport Transfer In/Out of Montreal: $200
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $71
    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
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Montreal Mile End or Jean Talon Market Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $114
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

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

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $65
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Nags Head Kayak Tour: $55
  • OBX Ghost Tours- The Original Ghost Tour of the Outer Banks: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: Lighthouse Wraiths & Dune Shadows: $26
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Outer Banks: $17
  • Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure on the Outer Banks : $65
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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
  • 1-Hour Jet Ski Guided Tour – Explore Montreal Waterways in Style!: $139
  • 1h-Relaxing day or sunset cruise in Montreal: $127
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
  • 3 Day and 2 Night Tour: Toronto, 1000 Islands, and Niagara Falls: $300
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
  • 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $67
  • A Walking Tour of Old Montreal: $25
  • AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: $75
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    Montreal $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Nags Head

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nags Head:

  • Wine Tasting And Boat Ride: $109

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 Nags Head and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 1020 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nags Head is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 78°F (26°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Montreal. Nags Head gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Nags Head is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Montreal. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Nags Head can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nags Head is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nags Head in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Montreal. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Montreal. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, Nags Head is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 59°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montreal. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Nags Head

Nags Head Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)