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

Should you visit Saint Louis or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint Louis and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Saint Louis and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Louis or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Saint Louis. Montreal is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Saint Louis different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Saint Louis and Montreal have first-rate landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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.

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

Montreal is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Saint Louis or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Saint Louis or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Is Saint Louis or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Louis or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Saint Louis 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 Louis is well-known for its shopping. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Saint Louis or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Saint Louis and Montreal are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Saint Louis is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Louis or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is well known for romance. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Montreal frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

Is Saint Louis or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Saint Louis is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit 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 Louis is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Louis and Montreal.

Visitors to Saint Louis can move around easily with public transportation. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

The public transit in Montreal can get you around easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Saint Louis or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Saint Louis?

How long in Saint Louis or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis. 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 Louis 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 Louis or Montreal?

The city of Saint Louis 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.

Montreal is a vibrant city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Saint Louis or Montreal?

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

Montreal is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Louis or Montreal?

Saint Louis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 colorful city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Saint Louis or Montreal?

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 nightlife and live music when visiting Montreal. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours 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 Saint Louis and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Saint Louis Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Louis or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Saint Louis 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 Louis 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 Louis or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Saint Louis during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Louis for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Louis is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 81°F (27°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 Louis. In the summer, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Saint Louis gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Montreal. Saint Louis gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Louis and Montreal. Many visitors come to Saint Louis in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Saint Louis is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Louis averages around 60°F (16°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Saint Louis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Saint Louis gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Louis usually receives less rain than Montreal. Saint Louis gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Louis as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Saint Louis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Saint Louis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Louis is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Louis in January average around 31°F (-1°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Saint Louis often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Saint Louis gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Saint Louis usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Saint Louis gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Louis or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Saint Louis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, Saint Louis is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Saint Louis average around 58°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. Saint Louis usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Saint Louis gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Saint Louis. In April, Saint Louis usually receives more rain than Montreal. Saint Louis gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Saint Louis