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

Should you visit Phoenix or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Phoenix and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Phoenix 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Phoenix and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phoenix or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Phoenix. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Montreal is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Phoenix different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

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

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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is very good for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phoenix or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Phoenix or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular city 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.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Phoenix or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Phoenix?

How long in Phoenix or Montreal?

In either Phoenix or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Phoenix because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Phoenix, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

The city of Phoenix offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Phoenix or Montreal?

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

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Phoenix or Montreal?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Montreal?

Phoenix 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Phoenix or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Phoenix are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Phoenix is much warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 98°F (36°C) in July, 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 Phoenix. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Phoenix gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Montreal. Phoenix gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phoenix or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Phoenix during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Phoenix is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phoenix in October average around 79°F (26°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. In the autumn, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Phoenix gets 305 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phoenix or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phoenix and Montreal. The winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. In January, Phoenix is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Phoenix average around 58°F (14°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phoenix usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Phoenix gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Phoenix usually receives less rain than Montreal. Phoenix gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Phoenix or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phoenix as well as Montreal. Additionally, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

Phoenix is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Phoenix averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In the spring, Phoenix often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Phoenix gets 355 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Phoenix usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Phoenix gets 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Phoenix