🇨🇦 Montreal vs 🇨🇦 Toronto

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Montreal

Canada

$2,092–$3,313/mo

C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)

🇨🇦

Toronto

Canada

$2,615–$4,141/mo

C$3,632 – C$5,751 / month (local)

Toronto is 25% more expensive

Montreal wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMontreal (USD)Toronto (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,569–$2,441$1,962–$3,051🟢 Montreal
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$828–$1,308$1,035–$1,635🟢 Montreal
Utilities$65–$126$82–$158🟢 Montreal
Groceries$331–$497$414–$621🟢 Montreal
Eating out (mid-range meal)$44–$78$54–$98🟢 Montreal
Public transport (monthly)$83–$100$104–$125🟢 Montreal
Internet & Mobile$26–$44$33–$54🟢 Montreal
Gym membership$31–$57$38–$71🟢 Montreal
Cinema ticket$12–$16$15–$20🟢 Montreal
Monthly total (single)$2,092–$3,313$2,615–$4,141🟢 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 · 4.0 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Toronto
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Toronto
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Montreal
Toronto▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Montreal
Toronto▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Montreal
Toronto▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Toronto
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Montreal▲ better
Toronto
Internet7.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Montreal
Toronto▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Montreal if…

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

Choose Toronto if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Toronto offers vs Montreal
  • ✓Diversity
  • ✓Safety
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓Immigrants

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Full Montreal guide

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Full Toronto guide

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Explore Toronto →