City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Montreal vs Calgary — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Montreal
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 44.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Montreal.
Calgary
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 47.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Calgary.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Montreal | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $857 | $1 |
| Groceries | $231 | $228 | +$3 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $147 | $5 |
| Transportation | $52 | $51 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $90 | $88 | +$2 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $129 | $0 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Montreal
$1,500
per month
Calgary equivalent
$1,608
per month
You'd need $1,608/mo in Calgary to match $1,500/mo in Montreal.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Montreal on $1,500/month?
Living in Montreal on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $231 to groceries, $142 to dining.
Can I live in Calgary on $1,500/month?
In Calgary, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $857 rent, $228 groceries, $147 dining.
Is Montreal or Calgary cheaper?
Montreal is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Montreal 44.5 vs Calgary 47.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Montreal worth in Calgary?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Montreal equals ~$1,608/mo in Calgary using COL adjustment.