Montreal
Canada
New York City
United States
Montreal
New York City
💰 Budget
🛡️ Safety
Montreal
Montreal is one of the safest large cities in North America. Violent crime rates are very low and most neighborhoods are safe to walk day and night. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bike theft) is the main concern, particularly in tourist areas and during festivals.
New York City
New York City is far safer than its reputation suggests, with crime rates at historic lows. Violent crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods away from tourist areas. The main risks for visitors are petty theft, subway scams, and traffic.
⭐ Ratings
🌤️ Weather
Montreal
Montreal has a humid continental climate with extreme seasonal variation. Winters are long and severely cold with heavy snowfall, while summers are warm and humid. The city fully embraces each season — winter festivals, spring sugar shacks, summer terrasses, and spectacular autumn foliage.
New York City
New York City has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are cold with occasional snowstorms, and spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
🚇 Getting Around
Montreal
Montreal has a reliable public transit system operated by the STM. The Metro (subway) has four lines, supplemented by an extensive bus network. The new REM (Reseau express metropolitain) light rail connects the airport and suburbs. BIXI bike-share is excellent in warmer months. The OPUS card works across all STM services.
Walkability: Montreal is very walkable in the central neighborhoods. The Plateau, Mile End, Old Montreal, and downtown are best explored on foot. The Underground City (RESO) connects 33 km of tunnels linking malls, Metro stations, and buildings — invaluable in winter. Bring good boots in winter for icy sidewalks.
New York City
New York City has the most extensive public transit system in the US, operated by the MTA. The subway is the backbone of daily life, running 24/7. Taxis and rideshares fill the gaps, while buses cover outer-borough routes. Driving in Manhattan is strongly discouraged.
Walkability: Manhattan below 60th Street is extremely walkable with a simple grid system — avenues run north-south and streets run east-west. The numbered streets make navigation intuitive. Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope are also very walkable. Citi Bike stations are plentiful for short trips.
The Verdict
Choose Montreal if...
you want North America's most European city — Old Montreal cobbles, bagels, poutine, Mile End, Jazz Fest, and ski Tremblant 90 minutes north
Choose New York City if...
you want the world's most iconic skyline — Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, world-class museums, and every cuisine on earth on a 24-hour grid
Montreal
New York City