City Comparison
Toronto vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~27% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Toronto
Canada
COL+Rent
60.6
Rent Index
49.3
Groceries
73.2
Restaurant
72.3
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Toronto | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,174 | $1,369 | +$805 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,728 | $1,088 | +$640 |
| Groceries | $410 | $331 | +$79 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $75 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $160 | $129 | +$31 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Toronto | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,355/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $3,166/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,904/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Toronto | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,101/mo | -$399 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,469/mo | -$531 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,203/mo | -$797 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toronto or Montreal cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 27% cheaper overall. Toronto's COL+Rent Index is 60.6 vs Montreal's 44.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Toronto vs Montreal?
A 1BR in Toronto city center costs ~$2,174/mo vs $1,369/mo in Montreal. Outside the center: $1,728 vs $1,088.
What is $2,000/month in Toronto worth in Montreal?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Toronto has the purchasing power of approximately $1,469/month in Montreal.
Are groceries cheaper in Toronto or Montreal?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $410 in Toronto vs $331 in Montreal. Groceries Index: 73.2 vs 59.1 (NYC = 100).