Montreal vs Galway
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~6% 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
Galway
Ireland
COL+Rent
47.1
Rent Index
36.5
Groceries
52.8
Restaurant
50.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Galway | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $1,547 | $178 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,209 | $121 |
| Groceries | $331 | $299 | +$32 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $17 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $81 | $6 |
| Utilities | $129 | $160 | $31 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Galway |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $1,727/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $2,342/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $2,889/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Galway | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,588/mo | +$88 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,117/mo | +$117 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,175/mo | +$175 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Galway for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Montreal is approximately 6% more affordable than Galway when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 vs Galway's 47.1 (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 $1,547/month in Galway — giving Montreal a $178/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Montreal ($331/mo) vs Galway ($299/mo) reflect Galway's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $17 show Galway 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, 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.