🇨🇦 Montreal vs 🇫🇷 Paris
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇦
Montreal
Canada
$2,092–$3,313/mo
C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)
🇫🇷
Paris
France
$2,892–$4,579/mo
€2,678 – €4,240 / month (local)
Paris is 38% more expensive
Montreal wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Montreal (USD) | Paris (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $2,169–$3,374 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $1,145–$1,808 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $90–$175 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $458–$687 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $60–$108 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $114–$139 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $36–$60 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $42–$78 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Montreal |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $2,892–$4,579 | 🟢 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
Housing6.3 / 10 · 4.3 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Safety9.6 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Education7.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Montreal
Paris▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Economy8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Culture8.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Paris
Internet7.6 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Montreal
Paris▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Montreal if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Paris
- ✓Culture
- ✓Food
- ✓Affordable vs Toronto
- ✓Students
Choose Paris if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Paris offers vs Montreal
- ✓Culture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Luxury
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📊
Full Montreal guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Montreal →📊
Full Paris guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Paris →