City Comparison
Montreal vs Vancouver
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~29% 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
Vancouver
Canada
COL+Rent
63.1
Rent Index
51.8
Groceries
75.8
Restaurant
75.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Vancouver | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $2,286 | $917 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $1,818 | $730 |
| Groceries | $331 | $425 | $94 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $22 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $96 | $21 |
| Utilities | $129 | $165 | $36 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $2,465/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $3,302/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $4,060/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,127/mo | +$627 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,836/mo | +$836 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,254/mo | +$1,254 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montreal or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 29% cheaper overall. Montreal's COL+Rent Index is 44.5 vs Vancouver's 63.1 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Montreal vs Vancouver?
A 1BR in Montreal city center costs ~$1,369/mo vs $2,286/mo in Vancouver. Outside the center: $1,088 vs $1,818.
What is $2,000/month in Montreal worth in Vancouver?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Montreal has the purchasing power of approximately $2,836/month in Vancouver.
Are groceries cheaper in Montreal or Vancouver?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $331 in Montreal vs $425 in Vancouver. Groceries Index: 59.1 vs 75.8 (NYC = 100).