Is Montreal expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Montreal is one of the more affordable big cities in North America, cheaper than Toronto, Vancouver or New York, though sales taxes (about 15%) and tips push prices up at the till. A budget day is about C$120 per person, mid-range about C$275, and the money goes on hotels, restaurant meals with tip and festival-week rates.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | C$60 | C$140 | C$300 |
| Food & drink | C$40 | C$80 | C$160 |
| Sights & tickets | C$15 | C$45 | C$100 |
| Local transport | C$5 | C$12 | C$40 |
| Per person, per day | C$120 | C$277 | C$600 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Montreal day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Smoked meat sandwich | about C$15–19 before tax and tip |
| Montreal bagel | about C$1.50–2 each |
| Poutine | about C$9–16 |
| Steamed hot dog | about C$3–4 |
| Notre-Dame Basilica | about C$16–17 |
| AURA light show at Notre-Dame | about C$30–35 |
| 747 airport bus | 24 hours a day; a 24-hour transit pass covers it |
| Mid-range downtown double | about C$200–350 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels take the biggest share, and summer festival weeks and the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend raise prices sharply. Restaurants add GST and QST (about 15%) and expect a 15–20% tip, so meals cost about a third more than the menu price. Attractions such as the Basilica and AURA are moderate. Transport is cheap, with the metro, buses and BIXI bikes, and food like bagels, poutine and hot dogs keeps costs down.
When it is cheaper
November to April (outside holidays and winter festivals) usually has the lowest hotel rates; June and July are the most expensive months.
How to spend less
- Use the 747 airport bus instead of a taxi.
- Buy a multi-day transit pass if you ride the metro often.
- Eat at bring-your-own-wine (apportez votre vin) restaurants to save on drinks.
- Stock up at Jean-Talon or Atwater markets for picnics.
- Enjoy free outdoor festival shows in the Quartier des Spectacles.
- Avoid Grand Prix weekend if you want cheap hotels.
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Common questions
Is Montreal expensive?
It is one of the more affordable big North American cities, but taxes and tips add about 30% to menu prices.
How much does a day in Montreal cost?
About C$120 per person on a budget, C$275 mid-range and C$600 in comfort.
How much should I tip?
About 15–20% in restaurants, calculated before tax.