Cost of Living · Updated October 25, 2026 · 15 min read
Cost of Living in Montreal (2026): Rent, Groceries, STM and More
Montreal has the lowest monthly cost of the nine Canadian cities we track: a single renter needs about $2,926 a month before income tax, 17% less than Toronto and 22% less than Vancouver. Quebec's higher income tax and French are the price.
Montreal wins on rent, utilities, transit, daycare and car insurance, and loses on income tax. This guide prices every part of life in Montreal in October 2026, from groceries and the STM to hotels and movie tickets, and sets each next to Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary.
Montreal cost of living at a glance
How the other places compare with Montreal, overall
Toronto
- Costs
- 27% higher
- Pay
- 14% higher
Vancouver
- Costs
- 35% higher
- Pay
- 14% higher
Ottawa
- Costs
- 26% higher
- Pay
- 15% higher
Calgary
- Costs
- 11% higher
- Pay
- 6% higher
Average gap from Montreal across 27 price lines (rent, food, transport, bills, fun, childcare and tax), each counted equally, so it shows direction, not your own bill. Pay is the average of average earnings and net salary. Red means higher and green means lower for costs; for pay the colours are flipped, because earning more is the good outcome.
| Summary | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly budget (renter, before income tax) | |||||
| Single renter | $2,926 | $3,538 21% higher than Montreal | $3,754 28% higher than Montreal | $3,379 15% higher than Montreal | $3,105 6% higher than Montreal |
| Couple | $3,860 | $4,535 17% higher than Montreal | $4,752 23% higher than Montreal | $4,402 14% higher than Montreal | $4,114 7% higher than Montreal |
| Family of four (no childcare or car) | $4,608 | $5,512 20% higher than Montreal | $6,040 31% higher than Montreal | $5,282 15% higher than Montreal | $5,031 9% higher than Montreal |
| Housing | |||||
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,775 | $2,265 28% higher than Montreal | $2,507 41% higher than Montreal | $2,047 15% higher than Montreal | $1,736 2% lower than Montreal |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,375 | $2,029 48% higher than Montreal | $2,154 57% higher than Montreal | $1,726 26% higher than Montreal | $1,438 5% higher than Montreal |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,303 | $3,015 31% higher than Montreal | $3,506 52% higher than Montreal | $2,657 15% higher than Montreal | $2,340 2% higher than Montreal |
| Typical home price | $649,000 | $940,800 45% higher than Montreal | $1,099,100 69% higher than Montreal | $634,000 2% lower than Montreal | $569,200 12% lower than Montreal |
| Apartment price per sq ft, centre | $658 | $998 52% higher than Montreal | $1,099 67% higher than Montreal | $601 9% lower than Montreal | $475 28% lower than Montreal |
| Property tax rate | 0.76% | 0.77% 1% higher than Montreal | 0.31% 59% lower than Montreal | 1.23% 61% higher than Montreal | 0.63% 17% lower than Montreal |
| Food and drink | |||||
| Groceries, one adult (full cart) | $428 | $420 2% lower than Montreal | $489 14% higher than Montreal | $458 7% higher than Montreal | $471 10% higher than Montreal |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $26.50 | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal |
| Dinner for two, mid-range | $102 | $110 8% higher than Montreal | $100 2% lower than Montreal | $110 7% higher than Montreal | $99 3% lower than Montreal |
| Pint of draught beer | $9.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 11% lower than Montreal | $8.00 11% lower than Montreal | $7.00 22% lower than Montreal |
| Cappuccino | $5.45 | $5.70 5% higher than Montreal | $5.60 3% higher than Montreal | $5.80 6% higher than Montreal | $5.30 3% lower than Montreal |
| Transportation | |||||
| Monthly transit pass | $110 | $156 42% higher than Montreal | $117 7% higher than Montreal | $138 25% higher than Montreal | $126 15% higher than Montreal |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.89 | $1.76 7% lower than Montreal | $2.00 6% higher than Montreal | $1.69 11% lower than Montreal | $1.69 11% lower than Montreal |
| Car insurance, per year (midpoint of range) | $850 | $2,175 156% higher than Montreal | $2,000 135% higher than Montreal | $2,175 156% higher than Montreal | $1,700 100% higher than Montreal |
| Bills | |||||
| Utilities (915 sq ft) | $110 | $172 56% higher than Montreal | $116 6% higher than Montreal | $194 76% higher than Montreal | $231 110% higher than Montreal |
| Mobile plan | $49 | $46 5% lower than Montreal | $52 7% higher than Montreal | $52 6% higher than Montreal | $54 12% higher than Montreal |
| Home internet | $60 | $68 13% higher than Montreal | $74 22% higher than Montreal | $72 19% higher than Montreal | $72 19% higher than Montreal |
| Fun and travel | |||||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $18.00 13% higher than Montreal | $17.50 9% higher than Montreal | $18.00 13% higher than Montreal | $20.00 25% higher than Montreal |
| Gym membership | $43 | $52 20% higher than Montreal | $56 30% higher than Montreal | $64 48% higher than Montreal | $70 64% higher than Montreal |
| Night out for two | $152 | $164 8% higher than Montreal | $151 1% lower than Montreal | $162 6% higher than Montreal | $153 1% higher than Montreal |
| Hotel average daily rate | $234 | $261 11% higher than Montreal | $284 21% higher than Montreal | — | $188 20% lower than Montreal |
| Family | |||||
| Regulated childcare, per child per day | $9.65 | $22.00 128% higher than Montreal | $40.00 315% higher than Montreal | $22.00 128% higher than Montreal | $15.03 56% higher than Montreal |
| Private preschool, per month | $723 | $1,051 45% higher than Montreal | $1,500 108% higher than Montreal | $1,156 60% higher than Montreal | $779 8% higher than Montreal |
| Pay and tax | |||||
| Average yearly earnings | $66,747 | $71,173 7% higher than Montreal | $70,115 5% higher than Montreal | $71,173 7% higher than Montreal | $71,296 7% higher than Montreal |
| Net salary per month (Numbeo) | $4,159 | $5,022 21% higher than Montreal | $5,132 23% higher than Montreal | $5,163 24% higher than Montreal | $4,372 5% higher than Montreal |
| Minimum wage per hour | $16.60 | $17.95 8% higher than Montreal | $18.25 10% higher than Montreal | $17.95 8% higher than Montreal | $15.00 10% lower than Montreal |
| Tax and payroll on $100,000 | $31,993 | $27,291 15% lower than Montreal | $26,065 19% lower than Montreal | $27,291 15% lower than Montreal | $27,117 15% lower than Montreal |
| Sales tax | 5% GST + 9.975% QST | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 13% HST | 5% GST (no provincial sales tax) |
| Salary needed (single person) | |||||
| To break even, outside the centre | $43,000 | $54,000 26% higher than Montreal | $56,000 30% higher than Montreal | $50,000 16% higher than Montreal | $46,000 7% higher than Montreal |
| To live comfortably in the centre | $61,000 | $71,000 16% higher than Montreal | $75,000 23% higher than Montreal | $67,000 10% higher than Montreal | $61,000 |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo, 24-25 October 2026 (CAD). Budgets are modelled from those prices (see the monthly budget section), exclude income tax, and are for renters. Net salary is Numbeo’s reported average after tax, a sample average and not Statistics Canada data. Average earnings are Statistics Canada (March 2026), tax uses 2026 brackets, and salary needed comes from the model in the salary sections below. A dash means no comparable figure is published for that place. The ▲ and ▼ percentages show how much higher or lower each place is than Montreal, the first column; for pay rows higher is better, for costs lower is better.
Ranking: nine Canadian cities, most to least expensive
| City | Single renter | 1 bed, centre | Groceries (staples) | Net salary | Left after budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | $3,754 | $2,507 | $228 | $5,132 | $1,378 |
| Toronto | $3,538 | $2,265 | $196 | $5,022 | $1,484 |
| Victoria | $3,465 | $2,179 | $231 | $4,525 | $1,060 |
| Halifax | $3,381 | $2,060 | $222 | $3,900 | $519 |
| Ottawa | $3,379 | $2,047 | $214 | $5,163 | $1,784 |
| Calgary | $3,105 | $1,736 | $220 | $4,372 | $1,267 |
| Hamilton | $3,023 | $1,778 | $189 | $4,274 | $1,251 |
| Edmonton | $2,960 | $1,539 | $201 | $4,855 | $1,895 |
| Montreal (this guide) | $2,926 | $1,775 | $200 | $4,159 | $1,233 |
“Left after budget” is Numbeo’s average monthly net salary minus the modelled single-renter budget. It is a rough gauge of breathing room, not a savings rate, because averages hide who actually earns what.
What does a month cost in Montreal?
A single renter needs about $2,926 a month in Montreal before income tax, a couple about $3,860, and a family of four about $4,608. For a single renter that is 17% less than Toronto ($3,538). That is the cheapest of the nine Canadian cities we track for a single renter's monthly costs.
- Rent
- Groceries
- Utilities, phone, internet
- Transit
- Eating and drinking out
- Gym and movies
Built from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Excludes income tax, childcare, car costs, clothing, and travel. Hover or tap a bar for the line-by-line split.
- Single renter: 1 bedroom in the city centre, one transit pass, eating out about once a week plus coffees.
- Couple: 1 bedroom in the city centre, two transit passes, a few nights out a month.
- Family of four: 3 bedroom outside the centre, two adult passes, 2.7 adults' worth of groceries, no childcare or car.
Montreal has the cheapest utilities ($110) and a movie ticket ($16.00) cheaper than Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary. Its pay is also lower: Numbeo's average net salary is $4,159 a month, so the cushion after the budget ($1,233) is smaller than in Toronto.
Common monthly expenses in Montreal
A single renter in Montreal spends about $3,133 a month on the essentials, a couple about $4,233, and a family of four with one child in childcare about $5,397. Rent is 57% of the single budget, groceries 14%, and transport 4%.
| Monthly expense | Single | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,775 | $1,775 | $2,303 |
| Utilities, phone, internet | $219 | $268 | $296 |
| Groceries | $428 | $770 | $1,154 |
| Transit | $110 | $220 | $220 |
| Eating and drinking out | $303 | $645 | $421 |
| Gym and movies | $91 | $182 | $214 |
| Clothing and shoes | $47 | $93 | $140 |
| Dental, vision, prescriptions | $60 | $120 | $180 |
| Household, subscriptions, personal care | $100 | $160 | $260 |
| Childcare | — | — | $209 |
| Total per month | $3,133 | $4,233 | $5,397 |
| Salary needed to break even | $50,000 | $63,000 | $84,000 |
Single and couple: one-bedroom in the city centre, transit passes. Family: three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare at about $9.65 a day, transit passes. Rent, groceries, utilities, transit, dining and leisure come from Numbeo’s October 2026 prices. Clothing (two pairs of jeans, two dresses or tops, running shoes and business shoes a year per adult), health costs ($60 an adult a month for dental, vision and prescriptions), and household items ($100 to $260) are our assumptions. “Salary needed to break even” is the gross pay whose after-tax income equals the total, with nothing saved.
See also: monthly expenses in Alberta.
Rent in Montreal
A one bedroom in the city centre averages $1,775 a month in Montreal, 22% less than Toronto ($2,265). Outside the centre it drops to $1,375, and a three bedroom outside the centre is $2,303. That is seventh most expensive of nine Canadian cities for city-centre rent.
| Monthly rent | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, city centre | $1,775 | $2,265 28% higher than Montreal | $2,507 41% higher than Montreal | $2,047 15% higher than Montreal | $1,736 2% lower than Montreal |
| 1 bedroom, outside centre | $1,375 | $2,029 48% higher than Montreal | $2,154 57% higher than Montreal | $1,726 26% higher than Montreal | $1,438 5% higher than Montreal |
| 3 bedroom, city centre | $3,054 | $3,842 26% higher than Montreal | $4,442 45% higher than Montreal | $3,238 6% higher than Montreal | $2,710 11% lower than Montreal |
| 3 bedroom, outside centre | $2,303 | $3,015 31% higher than Montreal | $3,506 52% higher than Montreal | $2,657 15% higher than Montreal | $2,340 2% higher than Montreal |
| Average asking rent, 1 bed (market data) | $1,600 | $2,400 50% higher than Montreal | $2,600 63% higher than Montreal | $1,900 19% higher than Montreal | $1,580 1% lower than Montreal |
| Average asking rent, 2 bed (market data) | $2,050 | $2,700 32% higher than Montreal | $3,150 54% higher than Montreal | $2,300 12% higher than Montreal | $1,900 7% lower than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
City-centre and outside-centre rents are Numbeo samples. The “market data” rows are average asking rents from this site’s city comparison data (Rentals.ca and CMHC-based). Asking rents run higher than what sitting tenants pay.
A city-centre one bedroom averages $1,775 in the Numbeo sample and $1,600 in this site's average asking rent data, against $2,265 in Toronto. Outside the centre it is $1,375, $400 cheaper.
Most Quebec leases run July 1 to June 30, so moving concentrates in a single week, and the Tribunal administratif du logement sets recommended increases. A single person needs about $71,000 a year before tax to keep a city-centre one bedroom at 30% of gross pay.
See also: rent in Toronto.
Buying a home in Montreal
The typical Montreal home is about $649,000 (median, APCIQ, June 2026). Apartments sell for about $658 a square foot in the centre of Montreal, 34% less than Toronto ($998).
| Buying | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home price | $649,000 | $940,800 45% higher than Montreal | $1,099,100 69% higher than Montreal | $634,000 2% lower than Montreal | $569,200 12% lower than Montreal |
| Detached | $649,000 | $1,360,000 110% higher than Montreal | $1,990,000 207% higher than Montreal | $725,000 12% higher than Montreal | $743,900 15% higher than Montreal |
| Condo apartment | $435,000 | $631,000 45% higher than Montreal | $771,000 77% higher than Montreal | $385,500 11% lower than Montreal | $299,000 31% lower than Montreal |
| Price per sq ft, apartment in centre | $658 | $998 52% higher than Montreal | $1,099 67% higher than Montreal | $601 9% lower than Montreal | $475 28% lower than Montreal |
| Price per sq ft, apartment outside centre | $493 | $882 79% higher than Montreal | $853 73% higher than Montreal | $582 18% higher than Montreal | $419 15% lower than Montreal |
| Property tax rate | 0.76% | 0.77% 1% higher than Montreal | 0.31% 59% lower than Montreal | 1.23% 61% higher than Montreal | 0.63% 17% lower than Montreal |
| Annual tax on a typical home | $4,932 | $7,244 47% higher than Montreal | $3,407 31% lower than Montreal | $7,780 58% higher than Montreal | $3,586 27% lower than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Home prices are MLS board figures, each on the basis shown in our city comparison tool (benchmark, median or average, so compare within a row with care). Price per square foot is Numbeo’s apartment figure.
Montreal's median single family home was about $649,000 and the condo median about $435,000 in June 2026 (APCIQ), up 3.5% on the year. Property tax is about 0.76% of value, and the welcome tax (Quebec's land transfer tax) is about $8,470 on a $650,000 home.
See our first time home buyer guide for Montreal and the Montreal vs Toronto comparison for detail.
See also: home prices in Vancouver.
Groceries in Montreal
A month of staples for one adult costs about $200 in Montreal, 2% more than Toronto ($196). Scaled to a real shopping cart that is nearer $428 a month for one adult. That is seventh most expensive of nine Canadian cities for groceries.
| Item | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | $3.20 | $3.50 9% higher than Montreal | $3.12 3% lower than Montreal | $3.30 3% higher than Montreal | $2.88 10% lower than Montreal |
| White bread (1 lb loaf) | $3.99 | $3.50 12% lower than Montreal | $3.32 17% lower than Montreal | $3.83 4% lower than Montreal | $3.49 13% lower than Montreal |
| White rice (1 lb) | $2.05 | $1.41 31% lower than Montreal | $2.90 41% higher than Montreal | $1.88 8% lower than Montreal | $3.55 73% higher than Montreal |
| Eggs (dozen) | $5.12 | $5.01 2% lower than Montreal | $5.82 14% higher than Montreal | $4.60 10% lower than Montreal | $5.27 3% higher than Montreal |
| Cheese (1 lb) | $8.40 | $5.98 29% lower than Montreal | $7.69 8% lower than Montreal | $7.39 12% lower than Montreal | $7.29 13% lower than Montreal |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | $7.41 | $7.31 1% lower than Montreal | $8.46 14% higher than Montreal | $7.54 2% higher than Montreal | $7.29 2% lower than Montreal |
| Beef (1 lb) | $8.84 | $9.34 6% higher than Montreal | $12.82 45% higher than Montreal | $11.97 35% higher than Montreal | $11.77 33% higher than Montreal |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.05 | $2.35 15% higher than Montreal | $2.58 26% higher than Montreal | $2.38 16% higher than Montreal | $3.04 48% higher than Montreal |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.95 | $0.76 20% lower than Montreal | $0.88 7% lower than Montreal | $0.82 14% lower than Montreal | $0.91 4% lower than Montreal |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $2.19 | $2.25 3% higher than Montreal | $2.49 14% higher than Montreal | $2.44 11% higher than Montreal | $2.70 23% higher than Montreal |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | $1.98 | $2.67 35% higher than Montreal | $2.55 29% higher than Montreal | $2.25 14% higher than Montreal | $2.50 26% higher than Montreal |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | $1.22 | $1.19 2% lower than Montreal | $1.73 42% higher than Montreal | $1.69 39% higher than Montreal | $1.75 43% higher than Montreal |
| Onions (1 lb) | $1.16 | $1.05 9% lower than Montreal | $1.84 59% higher than Montreal | $1.49 28% higher than Montreal | $1.73 49% higher than Montreal |
| Lettuce (head) | $3.44 | $3.18 8% lower than Montreal | $3.61 5% higher than Montreal | $3.62 5% higher than Montreal | $3.65 6% higher than Montreal |
| Staples basket, one adult a month | $200 | $196 2% lower than Montreal | $228 14% higher than Montreal | $214 7% higher than Montreal | $220 10% higher than Montreal |
| Typical full grocery bill, one adult (basket x 2.14) | $428 | $420 2% lower than Montreal | $489 14% higher than Montreal | $458 7% higher than Montreal | $471 10% higher than Montreal |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | $15.00 | $20.00 33% higher than Montreal | $20.00 33% higher than Montreal | $17.25 15% higher than Montreal | $22.00 47% higher than Montreal |
| Domestic beer, store bought 16.9 oz | $3.21 | $3.09 4% lower than Montreal | $3.71 16% higher than Montreal | $3.63 13% higher than Montreal | $3.42 7% higher than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo supermarket prices, October 2026. The staples basket is the quantity of each item above a single adult eats in a month. Staples are about half of a real cart, so the full grocery bill scales the basket by 2.14, calibrated to the $420 Toronto single-adult figure used on our city comparison guides.
Montreal's staples basket is $200, 2% more than Toronto's and well below Vancouver's. Quebec's competitive grocery market and public markets such as Jean-Talon help.
See also: grocery prices in Calgary.
Transportation in Montreal
A monthly transit pass is $110 in Montreal and gasoline is $1.89 a litre. Toronto is $156 for a pass and $1.76 a litre.
| Getting around | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single transit fare | $3.75 | $3.35 11% lower than Montreal | $3.50 7% lower than Montreal | $4.15 11% higher than Montreal | $4.00 7% higher than Montreal |
| Monthly pass | $110.00 | $156.00 42% higher than Montreal | $117.20 7% higher than Montreal | $138.00 25% higher than Montreal | $126.00 15% higher than Montreal |
| Taxi start | $4.50 | $4.25 6% lower than Montreal | $3.80 16% lower than Montreal | $3.80 16% lower than Montreal | $4.50 |
| Taxi per mile | $3.30 | $2.82 15% lower than Montreal | $3.67 11% higher than Montreal | $3.38 2% higher than Montreal | $3.09 6% lower than Montreal |
| Gasoline per litre | $1.89 | $1.76 7% lower than Montreal | $2.00 6% higher than Montreal | $1.69 11% lower than Montreal | $1.69 11% lower than Montreal |
| New VW Golf or similar | $39,370 | $37,000 6% lower than Montreal | $39,000 1% lower than Montreal | $38,290 3% lower than Montreal | $39,580 1% higher than Montreal |
| New Toyota Corolla or similar | $29,935 | $30,251 1% higher than Montreal | $30,009 | $31,359 5% higher than Montreal | $29,685 1% lower than Montreal |
| Driving 1,000 km a month: fuel plus insurance | $241 | $339 41% higher than Montreal | $347 44% higher than Montreal | $333 38% higher than Montreal | $294 22% higher than Montreal |
| Typical annual car insurance (published range; % uses the midpoint) | $700 to $1,000 | $1,700 to $2,650 156% higher than Montreal | $1,800 to $2,200 135% higher than Montreal | $1,700 to $2,650 156% higher than Montreal | $1,500 to $1,900 100% higher than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo transport prices. Driving cost assumes 1,000 km a month at 9 L/100 km plus the midpoint of the typical annual insurance range, which is published as a range because sources disagree (WealthNorth, Rates.ca and others, 2025-2026) and depends on driver, vehicle and postal code. Excludes the car payment, parking and maintenance.
The STM pass is $110 and a single fare $3.75. The Metro, buses, the REM light rail and BIXI bikes cover most of the island. Gas is $1.89 a litre, but Quebec car insurance is the cheapest in Canada, roughly $700 to $1,000 a year, because the public SAAQ covers injuries.
See also: transportation costs in Ontario.
Restaurants, coffee and drinks in Montreal
An inexpensive restaurant meal is $26.50 and a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is $102 in Montreal, against $25.00 and $110 in Toronto. A pint is $9.00 and a cappuccino $5.45.
| Eating and drinking out | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $26.50 | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal | $25.00 6% lower than Montreal |
| Mid-range dinner for two, three courses | $102.00 | $110.00 8% higher than Montreal | $100.00 2% lower than Montreal | $109.50 7% higher than Montreal | $99.01 3% lower than Montreal |
| Fast-food combo | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Pint of domestic draught | $9.00 | $9.00 | $8.00 11% lower than Montreal | $8.00 11% lower than Montreal | $7.00 22% lower than Montreal |
| Imported beer, 12 oz | $10.00 | $10.00 | $9.00 10% lower than Montreal | $9.00 10% lower than Montreal | $8.00 20% lower than Montreal |
| Cappuccino | $5.45 | $5.70 5% higher than Montreal | $5.60 3% higher than Montreal | $5.80 6% higher than Montreal | $5.30 3% lower than Montreal |
| Soft drink, 12 oz | $2.80 | $2.94 5% higher than Montreal | $2.97 6% higher than Montreal | $2.87 3% higher than Montreal | $2.78 1% lower than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo restaurant prices before tax and tip. Add provincial sales tax (5% to 15%) and a 15% to 20% tip on a sit-down meal.
A mid-range dinner for two is $102 and an inexpensive meal $26.50. A pint at $9.00 ties Toronto for the highest of the nine cities. Add 14.975% in GST and QST and a tip.
See also: restaurant prices in Alberta.
Utilities, phone and internet in Montreal
Electricity, heat and water for a 915 sq ft apartment, a mobile plan and home internet come to $219 a month in Montreal, 23% less than Toronto ($286). That is the cheapest of the nine Canadian cities we track for monthly bills.
| Monthly bills | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, heat, water, garbage (915 sq ft) | $110.17 | $171.96 56% higher than Montreal | $116.32 6% higher than Montreal | $193.74 76% higher than Montreal | $231.39 110% higher than Montreal |
| Mobile plan, 10GB or more | $48.75 | $46.20 5% lower than Montreal | $52.26 7% higher than Montreal | $51.77 6% higher than Montreal | $54.42 12% higher than Montreal |
| Home internet, 60 Mbps or more | $60.45 | $68.31 13% higher than Montreal | $73.59 22% higher than Montreal | $71.81 19% higher than Montreal | $72.09 19% higher than Montreal |
| Total | $219.37 | $286.47 31% higher than Montreal | $242.17 10% higher than Montreal | $317.32 45% higher than Montreal | $357.90 63% higher than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Montreal's utilities are $110 a month, the lowest of the nine cities, thanks to Hydro-Québec. Internet at $60 and a mobile plan at $49 are also below the national average.
See also: utility bills in Canada.
Hotels and travel in Montreal
Montreal's hotels are mid-priced and event-driven: Avison Young put the 2025 average daily rate at $234, and CoStar reported $273 for August 2026 with occupancy at 85.6%. The Canadian Grand Prix, moved to May in 2026, pushed May's ADR to $313.
| Hotels | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily rate, latest published | $234 | $261 11% higher than Montreal | $284 21% higher than Montreal | — | $188 20% lower than Montreal |
| Two-night weekend stay | $468 | $522 11% higher than Montreal | $568 21% higher than Montreal | — | $375 20% lower than Montreal |
| Basis | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $273, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (August 2026 monthly: $308, CoStar) | 2025 full year, Avison Young (September 2026 monthly: $373, CoStar) | — | 2025 full year, Avison Young |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average daily rate (ADR) is what hotels actually collect per occupied room across the whole market, not the cheapest listing, and the periods differ by city because published data does. Sources: Avison Young 2025 market review, CoStar (formerly STR) monthly releases, Destination Greater Victoria. Do not compare a 2025 average with a 2026 peak month.
Jazz Festival (late June), Just for Laughs, Osheaga, and Grand Prix weekends fill rooms. Winter is the cheapest time to stay.
See also: hotel rates in Toronto.
Movies, entertainment and things to do in Montreal
A new-release movie ticket is $16.00 in Montreal, a gym membership $43 a month, and a night out for two (dinner, two movies, two pints) about $152, compared with $164 in Toronto.
| Leisure and shopping | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema ticket, new release | $16.00 | $18.00 13% higher than Montreal | $17.50 9% higher than Montreal | $18.00 13% higher than Montreal | $20.00 25% higher than Montreal |
| Monthly gym membership | $42.89 | $51.59 20% higher than Montreal | $55.93 30% higher than Montreal | $63.59 48% higher than Montreal | $70.42 64% higher than Montreal |
| Tennis court, 1 hour on a weekend | $27.44 | $33.20 21% higher than Montreal | $17.59 36% lower than Montreal | $39.61 44% higher than Montreal | $25.88 6% lower than Montreal |
| Night out: dinner for two, two movie tickets, two pints | $152 | $164 8% higher than Montreal | $151 1% lower than Montreal | $162 6% higher than Montreal | $153 1% higher than Montreal |
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar) | $82.00 | $74.21 10% lower than Montreal | $81.66 | $81.00 1% lower than Montreal | $82.13 |
| Summer dress, chain store | $54.37 | $56.33 4% higher than Montreal | $46.87 14% lower than Montreal | $52.74 3% lower than Montreal | $56.38 4% higher than Montreal |
| Nike running shoes | $131.94 | $139.86 6% higher than Montreal | $134.00 2% higher than Montreal | $148.27 12% higher than Montreal | $129.41 2% lower than Montreal |
| Men's leather business shoes | $153.85 | $174.28 13% higher than Montreal | $134.65 12% lower than Montreal | $138.72 10% lower than Montreal | $157.08 2% higher than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Numbeo prices. Cinema is a standard adult seat for an international release; premium and online booking fees are extra. Prices for museums, parks, festivals and sport vary by season and event, so check the venue before you budget a day out.
Things to do in Montreal
- Mount Royal Park, Old Montreal and the Old Port, all free to walk.
- Jean-Talon and Atwater markets, bagels and smoked meat.
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Biodome, Botanical Garden and Insectarium.
- Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, Osheaga and Francos, with many free outdoor stages.
- Canadiens at the Bell Centre and CF Montréal.
- Underground City (RESO) for winter walking.
- Mont Tremblant and the Laurentians for skiing, 90 minutes north.
A movie ticket is $16.00, a gym $43 a month (the cheapest of the nine cities), and a night out for two about $152. Montreal is known for a festival calendar that is free or inexpensive, which keeps entertainment costs low.
See also: movie and entertainment prices in Vancouver.
Childcare, schools and raising a family in Montreal
Quebec's set fee is $9.65 a day in the CCPA 2026 survey. Private full-day preschool averages $723 a month in Montreal in Numbeo's sample, versus $1,051 in Toronto; most families pay far less through regulated childcare.
| Family costs | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private full-day preschool, monthly | $723 | $1,051 45% higher than Montreal | $1,500 108% higher than Montreal | $1,156 60% higher than Montreal | $779 8% higher than Montreal |
| International primary school, yearly | $22,899 | $33,506 46% higher than Montreal | $28,653 25% higher than Montreal | $22,250 3% lower than Montreal | $22,451 2% lower than Montreal |
| 3 bedroom outside the centre, monthly | $2,303 | $3,015 31% higher than Montreal | $3,506 52% higher than Montreal | $2,657 15% higher than Montreal | $2,340 2% higher than Montreal |
| Family of four, monthly budget (no childcare or car) | $4,608 | $5,512 20% higher than Montreal | $6,040 31% higher than Montreal | $5,282 15% higher than Montreal | $5,031 9% higher than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Private preschool and school fees are Numbeo samples. Most Canadian families use regulated childcare, whose fees are set by the province and are far lower than private preschool. Regulated fees: CCPA, The $10-a-day divide: child care fees in Canada in 2026.
Quebec's subsidized daycare costs $9.65 a day (CCPA 2026), about $210 a month, though spots are scarce and many families wait or use private daycare, which runs closer to $723 a month in the Numbeo sample. Quebec also pays its own Family Allowance on top of the federal Canada Child Benefit.
See also: childcare costs in Calgary.
Income tax, sales tax and take-home pay in Montreal
On a $100,000 salary a Quebec resident pays about $25,647 in federal and provincial income tax (25.6%), plus roughly $5,770 in CPP and EI, for take-home near $68,583.
| Salary | Quebec | Ontario | British Columbia | Alberta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income tax on $60,000 | $11,200 (18.7%) | $9,417 (15.7%) | $9,015 (15.0%) | $9,171 (15.3%) |
| Income tax on $100,000 | $25,647 (25.6%) | $21,521 (21.5%) | $20,295 (20.3%) | $21,347 (21.3%) |
| Income tax on $150,000 | $47,596 (31.7%) | $41,626 (27.8%) | $38,433 (25.6%) | $38,410 (25.6%) |
| Take-home on $100,000 after income tax, CPP and EI | QPP and QPIP differ | $72,709 | $73,935 | $72,883 |
| Sales tax | 5% GST + 9.975% QST | 13% HST | 5% GST + 7% PST | 5% GST only |
2026 federal and provincial brackets, basic personal amount only, single filer on employment income. Ontario includes the surtax and Ontario Health Premium; Quebec includes the 16.5% federal abatement. CPP and EI are approximated at 2026 rates ($5,770 at $100,000) and are not deducted from the percentages. Quebec uses QPP and QPIP instead, so its take-home is not shown. Sources: CRA, KPMG, TaxTips.ca.
Quebec has the highest income tax in Canada: $25,647 on $100,000, $4,126 more than Ontario. Quebec residents also pay QPP and QPIP instead of CPP and EI, and the GST+QST combination is 14.975%.
Quebec's minimum wage rose to $16.60 on May 1, 2026.
See also: income tax in Ontario.
Average salary and minimum wage in Montreal
The average Quebec employee earned about $66,747 a year ($1,283.60 a week) in March 2026, and the minimum wage is $16.60 an hour (since May 1, 2026), or $34,528 a year full-time. After tax that minimum-wage worker keeps about $2,302 a month, against $2,733 for a modelled single budget even outside the centre, a shortfall of $431.
| Earnings | Montreal | Toronto | Vancouver | Ottawa | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly earnings (province, March 2026) | $1,283.60 | $1,368.71 7% higher than Montreal | $1,348.36 5% higher than Montreal | $1,368.71 7% higher than Montreal | $1,371.07 7% higher than Montreal |
| Average yearly earnings (weekly x 52) | $66,747 | $71,173 7% higher than Montreal | $70,115 5% higher than Montreal | $71,173 7% higher than Montreal | $71,296 7% higher than Montreal |
| Average monthly net pay reported by Numbeo | $4,159 | $5,022 21% higher than Montreal | $5,132 23% higher than Montreal | $5,163 24% higher than Montreal | $4,372 5% higher than Montreal |
| Minimum wage per hour | $16.60 | $17.95 8% higher than Montreal | $18.25 10% higher than Montreal | $17.95 8% higher than Montreal | $15.00 10% lower than Montreal |
| Full-time minimum wage, gross a year (2,080 hours) | $34,528 | $37,336 8% higher than Montreal | $37,960 10% higher than Montreal | $37,336 8% higher than Montreal | $31,200 10% lower than Montreal |
| Hours of minimum-wage work to pay a city-centre 1 bedroom | 107 hours | 126 hours 18% higher than Montreal | 137 hours 28% higher than Montreal | 114 hours 7% higher than Montreal | 116 hours 8% higher than Montreal |
| Full-time minimum wage, take-home a month | $2,302 | $2,515 9% higher than Montreal | $2,575 12% higher than Montreal | $2,515 9% higher than Montreal | $2,192 5% lower than Montreal |
Percentages show the gap from Montreal: red is higher, green is lower (flipped for pay lines).
Average weekly earnings: Statistics Canada, Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours, March 2026 (all employees, including overtime, seasonally adjusted). These are means, so they run above what a typical worker earns; Statistics Canada’s city-level median is lower than the provincial mean. Minimum wages are the general adult rates in force on October 25, 2026 (Ontario $17.95 from October 1; verify before payroll decisions). The US and Australian minimums are converted at C$1 = US$0.702 and A$1.011; US states and some cities set higher rates. “Numbeo net pay” is a crowd-sourced sample.
See also: wages and minimum wage in Canada.
Can you live in Montreal on your salary?
On $60,000 a year a single person in Montreal takes home about $3,676 a month. A city-centre one bedroom puts the modelled budget at $3,133, which leaves $543 (manageable). Moving outside the centre leaves $943 (comfortable). Adjust the calculator below to your own income, household and choices.
Household
Where you live
Getting around
Enter income as
Manageable in Montreal
You cover the budget and keep a small cushion, but a surprise bill would hurt. After tax you keep about $3,676 a month against a modelled budget of $3,133, which leaves $543.
Take-home pay
$3,676/mo
$11,200 income tax and $4,692 payroll deductions a year
Monthly budget
$3,133/mo
Rent, bills, food, transport, fun, family
Left over
$543/mo
Before saving, debt payments and travel
Where the money goes
- Rent$1,775
- Utilities, phone, internet$219
- Groceries$428
- Transit$110
- Eating and drinking out$303
- Gym and movies$91
- Clothing and shoes$47
- Dental, vision, prescriptions$60
- Household, subscriptions, personal care$100
Rent is 36% of gross income here, above the 30% guideline lenders and landlords use. To keep 15% of take-home after this budget in Montreal you would need roughly $61,000 a year.
How this works: take-home uses 2026 federal and provincial income tax plus CPP and EI (Quebec uses QPP and QPIP; the US figure adds Social Security, Medicare and a 4% state tax; Australia adds the Medicare levy). Couples and families are two equal earners. Expenses use October 2026 Numbeo prices with our assumptions for clothing, health costs ($60 an adult), household items, and a car financed over five years at 6%. It ignores the Canada Child Benefit, GST credit, RRSP deductions and employer benefits, so real take-home may be higher.
What each salary leaves you in Montreal
| Gross income | Take-home (single, monthly) | Single left over | Couple left over | Family left over |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | $2,604 | -$529 (Not enough) | -$1,229 (Not enough) | -$2,393 (Not enough) |
| $50,000 a year | $3,155 | $22 (Very tight) | -$678 (Not enough) | -$1,842 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | $3,676 | $543 (Manageable) | -$127 (Not enough) | -$1,291 (Not enough) |
| $75,000 a year | $4,379 | $1,246 (Comfortable) | $699 (Manageable) | -$465 (Not enough) |
| $100,000 a year | $5,667 | $2,534 (Comfortable) | $2,077 (Comfortable) | $913 (Manageable) |
| $150,000 a year | $8,005 | $4,872 (Comfortable) | $4,525 (Comfortable) | $3,361 (Comfortable) |
Left over is monthly take-home minus the modelled budget, before saving, debt payments and travel. Single: one-bedroom in the city centre. Couple: the figure is household income from two equal earners, one-bedroom in the centre. Family: household income from two earners, three-bedroom outside the centre, one child in regulated childcare. Everyone uses transit.
Can you live on $3,000 a month in Montreal?
Most searches for a monthly figure mean pay after tax. The table converts each monthly take-home into the gross salary that produces it in Montreal, then shows what a single person has left after rent in the centre or outside it.
| Monthly take-home | Gross salary needed | Left over, outside centre | Left over, city centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 a month | $38,114 | -$233 (Not enough) | -$633 (Not enough) |
| $3,000 a month | $47,188 | $267 (Manageable) | -$133 (Not enough) |
| $3,500 a month | $56,421 | $767 (Comfortable) | $367 (Manageable) |
| $4,000 a month | $66,990 | $1,267 (Comfortable) | $867 (Comfortable) |
| $5,000 a month | $87,384 | $2,267 (Comfortable) | $1,867 (Comfortable) |
See also: what a salary buys in Toronto.
What salary do you need to live in Montreal?
A single person in Montreal needs about $43,000 a year to break even outside the centre and about $61,000 to rent in the city centre and still keep 15% of take-home. A couple needs $76,000 in household income and a family of four $101,000.
| Gross salary needed | Montreal |
|---|---|
| Single, bare minimum (outside the centre, transit, break even) | $43,000 |
| Single, comfortable (city centre, transit, 15% left) | $61,000 |
| Single with a car (outside the centre, 15% left) | $70,000 |
| Couple, comfortable (household income, centre, transit, 15% left) | $76,000 |
| Family of four, comfortable (household income, outside the centre, one child in childcare, 15% left) | $101,000 |
| Rent at 30% of gross pay (single, centre one-bedroom) | $71,000 |
Gross pay before tax, rounded up to the nearest $1,000, from the same model as the calculator. “Comfortable” means 15% of after-tax income remains after the budget for saving, debt and travel. Couples and families assume two equal earners. A car adds a loan on a new compact (10% down, 6%, five years), fuel for 1,000 km a month, insurance and upkeep.
See also: salary needed in Vancouver.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Montreal?
$100,000 is about 150% of the quebec average of $66,747, which makes it above average in Montreal. A single person renting in the city centre on $100,000 keeps about $5,667 a month after tax and has $2,534 left over after the modelled budget (comfortable).
| Salary | Versus the quebec average | How it ranks | Single left over (centre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 a year | 60% of average | Below average | -$529 (Not enough) |
| $60,000 a year | 90% of average | Around average | $543 (Manageable) |
| $75,000 a year | 112% of average | Above average | $1,246 (Comfortable) |
| $100,000 a year | 150% of average | Above average | $2,534 (Comfortable) |
| $150,000 a year | 225% of average | High | $4,872 (Comfortable) |
| $200,000 a year | 300% of average | Very high | $7,006 (Comfortable) |
The average is a mean from Statistics Canada (provinces) or implied by Numbeo’s net pay (countries), so a typical worker earns less than it. A salary that is “good” against the average can still be tight for one person who rents downtown or for a family on a single income; use the calculator above for your own situation.
See also: salary benchmarks in Calgary.
Why Montreal costs what it does
- Housing: older stock, lots of rentals and a less constrained supply keep rents lower.
- Hydro-Québec: electricity is among the cheapest in North America.
- Public services: subsidized daycare, mandatory drug insurance through RAMQ and cheap auto insurance.
- Wages: lower than Toronto's, which narrows the gap in real terms.
- Taxes: Quebec has the highest income tax and QST on top of GST.
Is Montreal right for your budget?
It suits you if
- You have young children and can get a subsidized daycare spot.
- You work in French or are bilingual.
- You want the lowest rent of any big Canadian city outside Alberta.
Think twice if
- You do not speak French and need a job in the public sector or customer-facing work.
- You are a high earner with no kids, where income tax erodes the saving.
- You are sensitive to long, snowy winters.
The bottom line
Montreal is the cheapest place in this series to live well, as long as French works for you and you are not a high earner without kids.
The savings are largest for families and renters, who benefit from low rent, cheap electricity and subsidized daycare.