City Comparison
Calgary vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~7% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $1,369 | +$112 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $1,088 | +$90 |
| Groceries | $353 | $331 | +$22 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $17 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $75 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $137 | $129 | +$8 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,399/mo | -$101 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,866/mo | -$134 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,799/mo | -$201 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary or Montreal cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 7% cheaper overall. Calgary's COL+Rent Index is 47.7 vs Montreal's 44.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Calgary vs Montreal?
A 1BR in Calgary city center costs ~$1,481/mo vs $1,369/mo in Montreal. Outside the center: $1,178 vs $1,088.
What is $2,000/month in Calgary worth in Montreal?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Calgary has the purchasing power of approximately $1,866/month in Montreal.
Are groceries cheaper in Calgary or Montreal?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $353 in Calgary vs $331 in Montreal. Groceries Index: 62.9 vs 59.1 (NYC = 100).