Montreal vs Chicago
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~22% 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
Chicago
United States
COL+Rent
57.1
Rent Index
44
Groceries
72.9
Restaurant
73.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $1,998 | $629 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,566 | $478 |
| Groceries | $331 | $418 | $87 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $73 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $129 | $169 | $40 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $2,189/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $2,988/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $3,701/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,925/mo | +$425 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,566/mo | +$566 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,849/mo | +$849 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Chicago for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Montreal is approximately 22% more affordable than Chicago when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 vs Chicago's 57.1 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Montreal costs $1,369/month versus $1,998/month in Chicago — giving Montreal a $629/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,548 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Montreal ($331/mo) vs Chicago ($418/mo) reflect Montreal's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $22 show Montreal is the better value for dining out. 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, Montreal offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,159 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.