Amsterdam vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~32% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Amsterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
65.5
Rent Index
52.2
Groceries
65.4
Restaurant
73.1
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $1,369 | +$949 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,088 | +$734 |
| Groceries | $374 | $331 | +$43 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $75 | +$34 |
| Utilities | $210 | $129 | +$81 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,019/mo | -$481 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,359/mo | -$641 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,038/mo | -$962 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Amsterdam vs Montreal for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Montreal is approximately 32% more affordable than Amsterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index of 65.5 vs Montreal's 44.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Amsterdam costs $2,318/month versus $1,369/month in Montreal — giving Montreal a $949/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,388 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Amsterdam ($374/mo) vs Montreal ($331/mo) reflect Montreal's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $17 show Montreal offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Montreal offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,159 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.