A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Augustine vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Food

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a colonial, historic, and notable city. Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saint Augustine 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Saint Augustine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Augustine is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is well known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Saint Augustine different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Saint Augustine. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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

Both Saint Augustine and Montreal offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is very popular for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Augustine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Saint Augustine has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for shopping. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Augustine offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Families?

Saint Augustine and Montreal are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine and Montreal are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is very popular for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Montreal is a great destination 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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Is Saint Augustine or Montreal a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine and Montreal both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Saint Augustine. 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Montreal?

The city of Saint Augustine offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Saint Augustine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Saint Augustine 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Saint Augustine during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Augustine is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 82°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 Saint Augustine. In the summer, Saint Augustine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 286 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 Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Saint Augustine is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Saint Augustine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Saint Augustine gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Montreal. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Augustine this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In the winter, Saint Augustine is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Augustine in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Saint Augustine is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Montreal. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Saint Augustine