Montreal vs Antwerp
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $1,033 | +$336 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $779 | +$309 |
| Groceries | $331 | $294 | +$37 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $17 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $41 | +$34 |
| Utilities | $129 | $192 | $63 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Antwerp |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $1,286/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $1,815/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $2,284/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Antwerp | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,422/mo | -$78 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,897/mo | -$103 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,845/mo | -$155 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Antwerp for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Antwerp is approximately 5% more affordable than Montreal when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 vs Antwerp's 42.2 (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 Montreal costs $1,369/month versus $1,033/month in Antwerp — giving Antwerp a $336/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,032 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Montreal ($331/mo) vs Antwerp ($294/mo) reflect Antwerp's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $17 show Antwerp 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, Antwerp offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,815 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.