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

Should you visit San Francisco or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Francisco 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a outdoorsy, quirky, and eccentric coastal city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See San Francisco 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

San Francisco and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Francisco or Montreal?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Montreal. While Montreal is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is very popular for its theatre productions, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Montreal attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Montreal and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also well known for The Golden Gate Bridge. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities.

How is San Francisco different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Francisco or Montreal?

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Montreal and San Francisco.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, San Francisco has many famous sights for visitors. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Montreal is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Montreal is not a theatre destination.

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

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

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for live music.

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.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Francisco or Montreal?

If you're looking to go shopping, San Francisco and Montreal both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to San Francisco specifically to go shopping. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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.

Is San Francisco or Montreal More Beautiful?

San Francisco is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Families?

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

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco or Montreal Better for Couples?

San Francisco and Montreal are both excellent to visit as a couple.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 San Francisco or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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.

Is San Francisco or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is San Francisco or Montreal a more walkable city?

San Francisco and Montreal are excellent when it comes to walkability.

San Francisco is a very walkable destination. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or San Francisco?

How long in San Francisco or Montreal?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Montreal. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco than Montreal 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 San Francisco.

One day in San Francisco or Montreal?

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant big city of Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in San Francisco or Montreal?

San Francisco 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in San Francisco or Montreal?

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

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the colorful big city of Montreal. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in San Francisco or Montreal?

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Montreal. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between San Francisco and Montreal, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Francisco or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and San Francisco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Francisco is cooler than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, San Francisco usually receives less rain than Montreal. San Francisco gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Francisco or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and San Francisco during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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.

In the autumn, San Francisco is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Francisco in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. San Francisco gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Francisco or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Francisco and Montreal. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In January, San Francisco is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in San Francisco average around 50°F (10°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, San Francisco usually receives more rain than Montreal. San Francisco gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Francisco or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Francisco as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

San Francisco is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in San Francisco averages around 58°F (14°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

San Francisco usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. San Francisco gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and San Francisco