- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Montreal Guide (PDF)
The cost of living in Montreal is lower than in the likes of Vancouver and Toronto, but higher than in Calgary and Ottawa. Montreal placed 125th out of 227 cities surveyed in Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living Survey, making it the third most expensive Canadian city.
While the cost of living in Montreal is reasonable, earnings in the city are also slightly lower than in the rest of Canada, but this varies across different sectors.
Cost of accommodation in Montreal
Many expats who move to Montreal find the city’s accommodation affordable. The housing market is also much less competitive than in Calgary, Vancouver or Toronto, so expats should have little problem finding their ideal home.
Cost of food in Montreal
Gourmands looking to explore the culinary scene in Montreal will be delighted to find that groceries and eating out are both relatively affordable. Expats will find a great variety of restaurants, with something to suit any budget and palate. However, newcomers should note that alcohol and tobacco are expensive.
Cost of transport in Montreal
Montreal has an effective and inexpensive public transport system. To save even more, regular commuters can purchase and top up an OPUS smart card to access major public transport in and around Greater Montreal and Quebec City.
Cost of schooling in Montreal
Public schools in Montreal are free for residents, but most are French-speaking, which may be a barrier for English-speaking students. That said, English public schools are also available, but admission requirements can be strict.
As such, many expats opt to send their children to private or international schools that teach their home country’s curriculum. Both of these options, however, are exorbitantly priced.
Cost of living in Montreal chart
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 1,389 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
CAD 1,048 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
CAD 2,494 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
CAD 1,793 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
CAD 3.06 |
Loaf of white bread |
CAD 3.79 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
CAD 14.82 |
Rice (1kg) |
CAD 3.84 |
Dozen eggs |
CAD 3.90 |
Pack of cigarettes |
CAD 15 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
CAD 13 |
Coca Cola (330ml) |
CAD 2.37 |
Cappuccino |
CAD 4.75 |
Bottle of local beer |
CAD 7.00 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
CAD 90 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
CAD 0.49 |
Internet (Uncapped ADSL or Cable – average per month) |
CAD 61.58 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
CAD 105.41 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
CAD 1.75 |
City centre bus fare/train fare |
CAD 3.50 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
CAD 2.07 |
Further reading
►For information about money matters in Canada see Banking, Money and Taxes in Canada
Expat Interviews
"Compared to South Africa and Slovakia, the cost of living is higher. However, it evens out with the income that you can earn in Canada. The costs of internet and phone packages, dining out and inland flights are higher in Canada compared to our home countries."
Read about Tim and Kamila's expat experiences in Canada in our interview.
Are you an expat living in Montreal?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Montreal. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
For anyone starting a new life abroad, ensuring access to good quality healthcare is essential. Cigna Global are specialists in providing international health plans for expats, ensuring you have access to quality care and support whenever you need it. Cigna’s health plans can be tailored exactly to meet the individual needs of you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.