City Comparison
Vancouver vs Montreal
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Montreal is ~29% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Vancouver
Canada
COL+Rent
63.1
Rent Index
51.8
Groceries
75.8
Restaurant
75.2
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Vancouver | Montreal | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,286 | $1,369 | +$917 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,818 | $1,088 | +$730 |
| Groceries | $425 | $331 | +$94 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $96 | $75 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $165 | $129 | +$36 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Vancouver | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,465/mo | $1,592/mo |
| Typical | $3,302/mo | $2,159/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,060/mo | $2,686/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Vancouver | ≈ in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,058/mo | -$442 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,410/mo | -$590 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,116/mo | -$884 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vancouver or Montreal cheaper to live in?
Montreal is approximately 29% cheaper overall. Vancouver's COL+Rent Index is 63.1 vs Montreal's 44.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Vancouver vs Montreal?
A 1BR in Vancouver city center costs ~$2,286/mo vs $1,369/mo in Montreal. Outside the center: $1,818 vs $1,088.
What is $2,000/month in Vancouver worth in Montreal?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Vancouver has the purchasing power of approximately $1,410/month in Montreal.
Are groceries cheaper in Vancouver or Montreal?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $425 in Vancouver vs $331 in Montreal. Groceries Index: 75.8 vs 59.1 (NYC = 100).