Cost of living in Montreal
Baseline monthly costs and newcomer setup estimates.
Baseline monthly costs and newcomer setup estimates.
Montreal blends European charm with affordable living and world-renowned culture.
Montreal is Quebec's largest city, offering a unique blend of North American and European lifestyles.
The city boasts affordable housing costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver, plus excellent public transit.
French is the official language, though English is widely spoken in most neighborhoods and businesses.
Montreal's cultural scene includes world-class festivals, cuisine, and a vibrant arts community.
Highlights:
- • Most affordable major city
- • Extensive metro system
- • Bilingual environment
- • Festival capital of Canada
- • Historic Old Montreal

Typical financing: $478/mo for 60 months (7.25% APR, $4,000 down).
Estimates only. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and timing.
Why this matters
Whether you are already in Canada or planning your move, these numbers help you budget for rent deposits, setup costs, and monthly living expenses.
How this city compares
Montreal ranks #19 out of 23 cities by baseline monthly cost. It is -$353 versus the cross-city average.
- Average city baseline
- $1,969
- Largest cost driver
- Rent (1bd)
Salary guide for this city
Use these salary ranges to set targets before running detailed scenarios in the calculator for Montreal.
- Essentials
- $32,000
- Balanced
- $43,100
- Comfortable
- $55,100
Why Choose Montreal?
Montreal is Quebec's largest city, offering a unique blend of North American and European lifestyles.
The city boasts affordable housing costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver, plus excellent public transit.
Cost of Living Planning for Montreal
Planning your budget for Montreal? Use our detailed cost breakdown above to estimate monthly expenses for rent, groceries, and transportation. Whether you're moving to Montreal for work, study, or a fresh start, understanding the local cost of living is essential for financial planning.
Common questions
- Are these numbers exact?
- No, they are baselines. Actual prices vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.
- How often is this updated?
- We refresh data sources as new updates are available.
- Can I compare with other cities?
- Yes, use the city list to open another location.