Montreal vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~13% 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
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $1,449 | $80 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,139 | $51 |
| Groceries | $331 | $339 | $8 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $17 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $93 | $18 |
| Utilities | $129 | $103 | +$26 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,719/mo | +$219 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,292/mo | +$292 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,438/mo | +$438 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Montreal is approximately 13% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 vs Stockholm's 51 (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 $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Montreal a $80/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 Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Montreal's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $17 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.