How Much Does Montréal Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Montréal offers a distinct blend of North American scale and European atmosphere, providing a more budget-friendly alternative to major global hubs. Travelers can expect daily costs to range from $69 / C$95 for budget explorers to $569 / C$779 for those seeking high-end luxury in the historic districts. The city is highly accessible for those willing to use public transit, though visitors must navigate a complex system of pre-tax pricing and mandatory tipping. While baseline costs for iconic street food are low, the final bill often increases significantly at checkout due to local taxes. During the peak of winter, temperatures can plunge below -15°C (5°F), leading to substantial hotel discounts, whereas autumn months offer pleasant averages of 18–22°C (64–72°F) alongside moderate pricing.
Is Montréal expensive to visit?
Montréal is moderately priced, offering a rich cultural experience for a daily budget of $69–$569 / C$95–C$779 depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Montréal
$69
per person /day
$186
per person /day
$569
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $208 | $558 | $1,708 |
| 5-Day Trip | $347 | $930 | $2,846 |
| 7-Day Trip | $485 | $1,303 | $3,984 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
Set aside a 15–20% buffer to cover the 14.975% combined sales tax and the 3.5% lodging tax, which are rarely included in advertised prices. Additionally, factor in the standard 15–20% restaurant tip and the increased $41 / C$57 fixed taxi rate if arriving at the airport after 23:00.
How Does It Compare?
See how Montréal stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Montréal
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| La Banquise La Classique Poutine (Large) The large size is massive; easily shared. Regular poutine is ~$7.26 / C$9.94. | $13 C$17 |
| Pint of Local Microbrew (Microbrasserie) Microbreweries in the Plateau usually charge ~$6.47–$7.65 / C$8.86–C$10 for a standard pint. | $6.93 C$9.49 |
| Schwartz's Deli Smoked Meat Sandwich A Montreal staple (~$10 / C$14). Note that lines can be long during peak lunch hours. | $10 C$14 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| STM Single Transit Trip (Zone A) Valid for 120 minutes of travel across the metro and bus network in Zone A (Island of Montreal). | $2.73 C$3.74 |
| 24-hour Transit Pass (All Modes A) A better value if taking more than 3 rides. Costing ~$8.03 / C$11, it covers all buses and metros in Zone A. | $8.03 C$11 |
| 747 Airport Shuttle Fare Includes a 24-hour transit pass for the entire STM network (~$8.03 / C$11). | $8.03 C$11 |
| Taxi YUL Airport to Downtown (Fixed Day Rate) Night rate (23:00–05:00) is fixed at ~$41 / C$57 ($57 / C$78 CAD). Rates exclude tip (~15%). | $36 C$49 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed in Central Hostel (e.g. M Montreal) Prices for popular hostels like M Montreal or Saintlo typically range from ~$33–$45 / C$45–C$61 depending on the day of the week. | $35 C$48 |
| 3-star Hotel (Average nightly rate) Verified average rate of $102 / C$140 USD converted to ~$102 / C$140 or $141 / C$193 CAD. | $103 C$141 |
| 5-star Luxury Hotel (Average nightly rate) Verified average rate of $318 / C$435 USD converted to ~$320 / C$438 or $439 / C$601 CAD. 4-star hotels average ~$158 / C$216. | $320 C$438 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Notre-Dame Basilica Tourist Ticket Covers the standard tourist visit. The AURA light show is a separate ticket costing ~$26 / C$35. | $12 C$16 |
| Mont-Tremblant National Park Daily Access Standard daily entrance fee (~$7.37 / C$10). Under 17s enter for free. | $7.37 C$10 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Canada eSIM (50GB - 30 Days) The most comprehensive data package for extended stays in Canada. | $86 C$118 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) fee Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air (~$5.11 / C$6.99). | $5.11 C$6.99 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The city's food culture is defined by affordable staples like the $10 / C$14 smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz's Deli and diverse street food options. A massive large 'La Classique' poutine at La Banquise costs $13 / C$17 and is easily shared, while a pint of local microbrew in the Plateau area typically costs about $6.93 / C$9.49.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Fairmount Bagel
$0.91–$11 / C$1.24–C$15Mile End · Bakery
A true local staple. Grab a dozen for ~$11 / C$15 ($15 / C$21 CAD). Note: Cash only or debit, no credit for small orders.
Wilensky's Light Lunch
$3.35–$7.3 / C$4.59–C$9.99Mile End · Local chain
Ordering the 'Special' (salami and bologna) with cheese costs ~$3.71 / C$5.07 ($5.09 / C$6.97 CAD). Never ask for it to be cut!
Drogheria Fine
$3.65–$3.65 / C$4.99–C$4.99Mile End · Street food area
A simple window serving legendary tomato-sauce gnocchi in a box for just ~$3.65 / C$4.99.
Patati Patata
$4.74–$11 / C$6.49–C$15Plateau · Local chain
Famous for their 'mini' slider burgers and affordable poutine in a cozy, diner-style setting.
Jean-Talon Market
$2.19–$8.76 / C$3–C$12Little Italy · Street market
Entry is free. You can find snacks like fresh oysters or local cheese for ~$2.35–$8.83 / C$3.22–C$12.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is most efficient via the STM metro and bus network, with single transit trips costing $2.73 / C$3.74 for 120 minutes of travel. For those arriving at YUL, the 747 Airport Shuttle is a strategic choice at $8.03 / C$11, as the fare includes a full 24-hour pass for the entire Zone A transit system.
Accommodation Overview
Budget travelers can secure central dorm beds for approximately $35 / C$48 per night at popular spots like M Montreal. Mid-range 3-star hotels average $103 / C$141, while those seeking 5-star luxury should plan for costs around $320 / C$438 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Montréal
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Buy the 24-hour transit pass for $8.03 / C$11 if you plan to take more than three trips in a single day.
- 2 Visit Drogheria Fine in Mile End for their legendary $3.65 / C$4.99 gnocchi boxes, one of the city's best cheap eats.
- 3 Purchase world-famous bagels by the dozen at Fairmount Bagel to save on breakfast costs over several days.
- 4 Explore the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy for affordable local produce and low-cost food stall meals.
- 5 Use the 747 Airport Shuttle instead of a taxi to save roughly $27 / C$37 on your transfer to downtown.
- 6 Take advantage of free museum nights, such as the McCord Stewart Museum which often offers free admission on Wednesday evenings.
- 7 Walk the 32km Underground City (RESO) network to navigate downtown without paying for transit or facing winter cold.
- 8 Order the 'Wilensky Special' at Wilensky’s Light Lunch for a historic, fixed-price meal that remains a local bargain.
- 9 Avoid buying maple syrup in tourist-heavy Old Montreal boutiques; local grocery stores carry the same grades for much less.
- 10 Look for 'Midi-Express' lunch menus at downtown bistros for discounted multi-course fixed-price meals.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
-30-50%
May, Sep, Oct
Winter (Jan–Feb) offers massive hotel discounts, sometimes under ~$59 / C$81/night, but temperatures drop below -15°C (5°F). September offers pleasant 18–22°C (64–72°F) weather and moderate prices.
Events to Watch
- ● F1 Grand Prix (June): +200% hotels
- ● Jazz Fest (late June/early July): +30% hotels
- ● Osheaga (August): +25% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hike to the Kondiaronk Lookout on Mont Royal for the best panoramic view of the skyline.
- 2 Explore the cobblestone streets and historic 17th-century architecture of Vieux-Montréal.
- 3 Visit the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal to tour the grounds and the massive domed shrine.
- 4 Wander through the massive indoor and outdoor stalls of the Jean-Talon Market.
- 5 Enjoy the free outdoor concerts during the Montreal Jazz Festival in the Quartier des Spectacles.
- 6 Explore the Redpath Museum on the McGill campus (admission is by voluntary contribution).
- 7 Walk or cycle along the 14km path of the Lachine Canal.
- 8 Discover the interactive art and light installations in the Place des Festivals.
- 9 Stroll through Parc La Fontaine to watch local life by the pond in the heart of the Plateau.
- 10 Browse the massive street art murals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
- 11 Visit the interior of Christ Church Cathedral, a neo-Gothic landmark located downtown.
- 12 Explore the architecture and public art within the 32km Underground City (RESO) network.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Aura Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica
A breathtaking immersive light and sound show that transforms the Gothic architecture. Costs ~$26 / C$35.
Bateau-Mouche Dinner Cruise
Fine dining while cruising the St. Lawrence River as the skyline lights up. Costs ~$113 / C$155.
Au Pied de Cochon Tasting Meal
The ultimate celebration of Québécois decadence (foie gras, pig's head). Budget ~$88 / C$121 per person excluding wine.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Montréal
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Montréal and what they cost
Quebec City
$80 / C$110 by bus
Free
$131 / C$180
Mont-Tremblant
$55 / C$75 by bus
$7.37 / C$10
$95 / C$130
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
1 $ ≈ 1.37 $
No
Excellent; cards are accepted everywhere including small bakeries and food stalls.
Tipping is vital. 15% is the expected minimum for table service, bars, and taxis. Hotel bellhops expect ~$0.73 / C$1 ($1 / C$1.37 CAD) per bag.
Use bank ATMs (Scotiabank, TD, RBC) for better rates; avoid generic white-label ATMs in convenience stores which charge ~$2.94–$4.71 / C$4.03–C$6.44 per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $15–$24 for 5-10GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $41–$59 / C$56–C$81 for 20GB+ at the airport
WiFi: Excellent availability in cafés, hotels, and even some public squares downtown.
The Airalo eSIM is very convenient, but for heavy data users, a local SIM from Bell or Telus (available at the airport) offers better speed for ~$47 / C$64.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Montréal.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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