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

Should you visit Santa Cruz or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Cruz 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Santa Cruz and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Cruz or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Santa Cruz. Montreal is bigger than Santa Cruz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Cruz is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Santa Cruz different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

Montreal is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is very popular for nightlife. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is very popular for live music. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not a live music destination.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Santa Cruz is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its historic old town. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz does not have a historic old town.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Santa Cruz. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santa Cruz or Montreal.

Santa Cruz is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Santa Cruz is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

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 Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Santa Cruz and Montreal are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is very popular for students. However, Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Santa Cruz or Montreal a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Santa Cruz is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Santa Cruz Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Santa Cruz?

How long in Santa Cruz or Montreal?

In either Santa Cruz or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Santa Cruz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Santa Cruz, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal?

The town of Santa Cruz offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Santa Cruz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santa Cruz, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Santa Cruz 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, 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Santa Cruz is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Santa Cruz and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Santa Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

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

Which is Bigger, Santa Cruz or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz or Montreal in the Summer?

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

In July, Santa Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Santa Cruz average around 67°F (19°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Santa Cruz usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Santa Cruz gets 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Santa Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and 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.

Santa Cruz is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santa Cruz averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In October, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Montreal. Santa Cruz gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Montreal in the Winter?

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

Montreal can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Santa Cruz is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santa Cruz in January average around 51°F (10°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Santa Cruz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montreal. Santa Cruz gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santa Cruz or Montreal in the Spring?

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

In April, Santa Cruz is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Santa Cruz average around 58°F (14°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Santa Cruz usually receives less rain than Montreal. Santa Cruz gets 1 inches (26 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Santa Cruz