Montreal
Canada
Oaxaca
Mexico
Montreal
Oaxaca
💰 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.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca city is generally safe for tourists and has a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. The historic center is well-patrolled and walkable. As with all of Mexico, use common sense — avoid flashing valuables, be cautious at night in unfamiliar areas, and stick to reputable transport. Political protests occasionally block roads but are rarely dangerous to bystanders.
⭐ 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.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca city sits at 1,550 meters elevation and enjoys a temperate semi-arid climate with warm days and cool nights year-round. There is a distinct rainy season from June to September with afternoon thunderstorms. The city gets over 300 days of sunshine per year.
🚇 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.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca's compact historic center is easily explored on foot. For outlying sites like Monte Alban, Hierve el Agua, and weaving villages, you'll need organized transport. Colectivos (shared vans) are the cheapest way to reach nearby villages. Ride-hailing apps work well in the city.
Walkability: The historic center is very walkable — the Zocalo, markets, Santo Domingo, museums, and best restaurants are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. Sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. Most streets in the centro are one-way with light traffic.
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 Oaxaca if...
you want Mexico's best food scene, mezcal culture, indigenous markets, and Day of the Dead celebrations
Montreal