🇨🇦 Montreal vs 🇺🇸 Philadelphia

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Montreal

Canada

$2,092–$3,313/mo

C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Philadelphia

United States

$2,277–$3,605/mo

$2,277 – $3,605 / month (local)

Philadelphia is 9% more expensive

Montreal wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMontreal (USD)Philadelphia (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,569–$2,441$1,708–$2,656🟢 Montreal
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$828–$1,308$901–$1,423🟢 Montreal
Utilities$65–$126$71–$138🟢 Montreal
Groceries$331–$497$361–$541🟢 Montreal
Eating out (mid-range meal)$44–$78$47–$85🟢 Montreal
Public transport (monthly)$83–$100$90–$109🟢 Montreal
Internet & Mobile$26–$44$28–$47🟢 Montreal
Gym membership$31–$57$33–$62🟢 Montreal
Cinema ticket$12–$16$13–$17🟢 Montreal
Monthly total (single)$2,092–$3,313$2,277–$3,605🟢 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
Philadelphia
Safety9.6 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Montreal
Philadelphia▲ better
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Montreal
Philadelphia▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Montreal
Philadelphia▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Montreal
Philadelphia▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Philadelphia
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Philadelphia
Internet7.6 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Montreal
Philadelphia▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Montreal if…

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

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Philadelphia offers vs Montreal
  • History
  • Value vs NYC
  • Universities
  • Healthcare

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Full Montreal guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Montreal

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Full Philadelphia guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Philadelphia