New York vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~46% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $1,369 | +$1,813 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $1,088 | +$1,406 |
| Groceries | $566 | $331 | +$235 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $17 | +$13 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $75 | +$24 |
| Utilities | $229 | $129 | +$100 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $809/mo | -$691 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,079/mo | -$921 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,618/mo | -$1,382 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: New York vs Montreal for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Montreal is approximately 46% more affordable than New York when combining rent and daily living costs. New York's COL+Rent Index of 82.5 vs Montreal's 44.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in New York costs $3,182/month versus $1,369/month in Montreal — giving Montreal a $1,813/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $21,756 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in New York ($566/mo) vs Montreal ($331/mo) reflect Montreal's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $30 vs $17 show Montreal 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.