Graz vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~11% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Graz | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $821 | $1,369 | $548 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $630 | $1,088 | $458 |
| Groceries | $370 | $331 | +$39 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $17 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $47 | $75 | $28 |
| Utilities | $170 | $129 | +$41 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Graz | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,166/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $1,633/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,055/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Graz | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,694/mo | +$194 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,259/mo | +$259 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,388/mo | +$388 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Graz vs Montreal for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 11% more affordable than Montreal when combining rent and daily living costs. Graz's COL+Rent Index of 39.4 vs Montreal's 44.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Graz costs $821/month versus $1,369/month in Montreal — giving Graz a $548/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,576 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Graz ($370/mo) vs Montreal ($331/mo) reflect Montreal's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.