City Comparison
Montreal vs Toronto
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~27% 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
Toronto
Canada
COL+Rent
60.6
Rent Index
49.3
Groceries
73.2
Restaurant
72.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Toronto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $2,174 | $805 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,728 | $640 |
| Groceries | $331 | $410 | $79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $92 | $17 |
| Utilities | $129 | $160 | $31 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $2,355/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $3,166/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $3,904/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,043/mo | +$543 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,724/mo | +$724 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,085/mo | +$1,085 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montreal or Toronto cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 27% cheaper overall. Montreal's COL+Rent Index is 44.5 vs Toronto's 60.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Montreal vs Toronto?
A 1BR in Montreal city center costs ~$1,369/mo vs $2,174/mo in Toronto. Outside the center: $1,088 vs $1,728.
What is $2,000/month in Montreal worth in Toronto?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Montreal has the purchasing power of approximately $2,724/month in Toronto.
Are groceries cheaper in Montreal or Toronto?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $331 in Montreal vs $410 in Toronto. Groceries Index: 59.1 vs 73.2 (NYC = 100).