City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Calgary vs Montreal — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Calgary
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Calgary.
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Calgary | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $857 | $856 | +$1 |
| Groceries | $228 | $231 | $3 |
| Dining Out | $147 | $142 | +$5 |
| Transportation | $51 | $52 | $1 |
| Utilities | $88 | $90 | $2 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $129 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Calgary
$1,500
per month
Montreal equivalent
$1,399
per month
Only $1,399/mo in Montreal matches $1,500/mo in Calgary — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Calgary on $1,500/month?
Living in Calgary on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$857 to rent, $228 to groceries, $147 to dining.
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
In Montreal, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $856 rent, $231 groceries, $142 dining.
Is Calgary or Montreal cheaper?
Montreal is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Calgary 47.7 vs Montreal 44.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Calgary worth in Montreal?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Calgary equals ~$1,399/mo in Montreal using COL adjustment.