Cost of Living in Montréal, Canada
Canada · North America
$2,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
68
Cost Index
NYC=100
65
Rent Index
NYC=100
82
Quality of Life
Excellent
65
Safety Index
Good
2.0M
Population
CAD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $60 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $4.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $3.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $100 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $50 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $48 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,000/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $6,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $4,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $3200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 5.5% |
Cost of Living in Montréal — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Montréal, Canada is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Montréal has a cost index of 68, making it around 32% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Montréal costs around $1,000/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,800/month. The rent index is 65 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Montréal scores 82/100 on the quality of life index and 65/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 84/100. The climate index is 44/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Montréal is approximately $3,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 78/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is CAD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Montréal
The average monthly salary in Montréal is approximately $3,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 78/100.
Healthcare Costs in Montréal
Healthcare quality in Montréal is rated 84/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Montréal
Montréal has a quality of life score of 82/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Montréal
Students living in Montréal should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Montréal
Expats moving to Montréal often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Montréal, Canada is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 68 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Montréal
Living in Montréal offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 68 and a quality of life score of 82/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $3,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Montréal provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Canada and around the world.
Key Facts About Montréal
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,500
- Cost Index: 68
- Rent Index: 65
- Average Salary: $3,200
- Quality of Life: 82/100
- Safety Score: 65/100
- Country: Canada
- Currency: CAD
Is Montréal Expensive?
Montréal has a cost index of 68 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Montréal compare to other cities?
Montréal is located in North America with a population of approximately 2.0M. At a cost index of 68 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Montréal stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Montréal?
The average cost of living in Montréal, Canada is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 68 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Montréal?
Rent in Montréal varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 65 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Montréal alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Montréal expensive to live in?
Montréal has a cost index of 68 compared to New York City (100). At 68, Montréal is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,500.
What is the quality of life in Montréal?
Montréal has a quality of life index of 82/100 and a safety index of 65/100. The city is located in North America and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Montréal compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Montréal with any city worldwide. Montréal's cost index is 68 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Montréal?
Many residents live comfortably in Montréal with a monthly budget of around $2,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Montréal good for expats?
Montréal is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Montréal?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Montréal.
Is Montréal cheaper than New York?
Yes, Montréal has a cost index of 68 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Montréal?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Montréal.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Montréal
Cheapest Ways to Live in Montréal
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Montréal typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,000/month compared to $1,400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Montréal, Canada.
Is Montréal Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 78/100 and a quality of life score of 82/100, Montréal is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 68 relative to New York City, Montréal remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Canada has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Montréal Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Montréal", "Montréal monthly expenses 2026", and "is Montréal affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,500, a safety score of 65/100, and healthcare rated 84/100, Montréal offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Canada.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026