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

Should you visit Ocean City or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Ocean City 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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Ocean City and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Ocean City and Montreal are popular destinations, Montreal has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ocean City attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Ocean City different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. 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.

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Montreal is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is great for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ocean City. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Beaches?

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

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Families?

Ocean City is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Ocean City is one of the most popular family destinations. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Ocean City or Montreal Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ocean City and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Ocean City is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Ocean City or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Ocean City is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

Is Ocean City or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its walkability.

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Montreal?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Ocean City. 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Montreal?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. 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.

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Montreal?

Ocean City 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.

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Ocean City or Montreal?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Montreal?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Ocean City and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Ocean City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ocean City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocean City 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 Ocean City.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Montreal. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Ocean City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Ocean City is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocean City in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Montreal. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Ocean City during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Ocean City can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ocean City is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 35°F (2°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Montreal. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

Ocean City is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Ocean City usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Ocean City