City Comparison
Montreal vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~7% 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
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $1,481 | $112 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,178 | $90 |
| Groceries | $331 | $353 | $22 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $19 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $79 | $4 |
| Utilities | $129 | $137 | $8 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,608/mo | +$108 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,144/mo | +$144 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,216/mo | +$216 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montreal or Calgary cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 7% cheaper overall. Montreal's COL+Rent Index is 44.5 vs Calgary's 47.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Montreal vs Calgary?
A 1BR in Montreal city center costs ~$1,369/mo vs $1,481/mo in Calgary. Outside the center: $1,088 vs $1,178.
What is $2,000/month in Montreal worth in Calgary?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Montreal has the purchasing power of approximately $2,144/month in Calgary.
Are groceries cheaper in Montreal or Calgary?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $331 in Montreal vs $353 in Calgary. Groceries Index: 59.1 vs 62.9 (NYC = 100).