🇺🇸 Boston vs 🇨🇦 Montreal

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Boston

United States

$2,923–$4,628/mo

$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Montreal

Canada

$2,092–$3,313/mo

C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)

Boston is 40% more expensive

Montreal wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBoston (USD)Montreal (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,192–$3,410$1,569–$2,441🟢 Montreal
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,157–$1,827$828–$1,308🟢 Montreal
Utilities$91–$177$65–$126🟢 Montreal
Groceries$463–$694$331–$497🟢 Montreal
Eating out (mid-range meal)$61–$110$44–$78🟢 Montreal
Public transport (monthly)$116–$140$83–$100🟢 Montreal
Internet & Mobile$37–$61$26–$44🟢 Montreal
Gym membership$43–$79$31–$57🟢 Montreal
Cinema ticket$17–$22$12–$16🟢 Montreal
Monthly total (single)$2,923–$4,628$2,092–$3,313🟢 Montreal

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing3.9 / 10 · 6.3 / 10
Boston
Montreal▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Boston
Montreal▲ better
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Boston▲ better
Montreal
Education8.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Boston▲ better
Montreal
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Boston▲ better
Montreal
Economy7.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Boston
Montreal▲ better
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Boston
Montreal▲ better
Internet8.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Boston▲ better
Montreal

Who should choose which city?

Choose Boston if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Montreal
  • ✓Universities
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓History
  • ✓Students

Choose Montreal if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
  • ✓Culture
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Affordable vs Toronto
  • ✓Students

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Full Boston guide

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📊

Full Montreal guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Montreal →