Skip to content

Montreal vs Chicago

Montreal runs about 65% cheaper than Chicago for this household, a difference of 1,666 USD a month.

The skyline of downtown Montreal, Quebec (pop. 1,762,000). It's the 2nd-largest city in Canada, and 8th-largest in North America.
Montreal
$2,569/month · Canada
Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0
View of Chicago from Willis Tower
Chicago
$4,234/month · United States
Andrew Horne · CC BY 2.0
Montreal monthly
$2,569
Index 40 (NYC = 100)
Chicago monthly
$4,234
Index 66 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+65%
Chicago relative to Montreal
Rent gap
$928
Chicago costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MontrealChicago
  • Housing
    Housing: Montreal $1,300, Chicago $2,228. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Food
    Food: Montreal $674, Chicago $788. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Transport
    Transport: Montreal $152, Chicago $154. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Montreal $191, Chicago $221. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Montreal $8.10, Chicago $525. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Montreal $149, Chicago $170. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Other
    Other: Montreal $94, Chicago $149. Cheaper in Montreal.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricMontrealChicago
Cost
Total monthly cost2,569 USD✓4,234 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)40✓66
Housing1,300 USD✓2,228 USD
Utilities191 USD✓221 USD
Food674 USD✓788 USD
Transport152 USD✓154 USD
Healthcare8 USD✓525 USD
Lifestyle149 USD✓170 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,572 USD6,228 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate33.1%25.3%✓
Left over each month3,003 USD✓1,993 USD
Average local net salary2,900 USD4,400 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,300 USD✓2,228 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,200 USD✓4,244 USD
Buy price per m², centre5,200 USD4,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety80/100✓52/100
Healthcare82/10084/100✓
Air quality76/100✓62/100
Public transport78/10078/100
Walkability82/100✓80/100
English proficiency72/100100/100✓
Nightlife84/10088/100✓
Family friendliness84/100✓66/100
Median broadband200 Mbps210 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature7°C✓10°C
Summer high26°C✓29°C
Winter low-14°C-8°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h2,500 h✓
Annual rainfall1000 mm990 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access40 min15 min✓
CurrencyCADUSD
Time zoneAmerica/TorontoAmerica/Chicago

Montreal runs about 65% cheaper than Chicago for this household, a difference of 1,666 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in MontrealCost of living in ChicagoConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Montreal vs AustinMontreal vs TorontoMontreal vs Vancouver
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Montreal or Chicago cheaper?

Montreal runs about 65% cheaper than Chicago for this household, a difference of 1,666 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Chicago compared with Montreal?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,572 a month in Montreal and $6,228 in Chicago, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Montreal or Chicago?

Montreal scores 80/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; Chicago scores 52 and 84. Montreal averages 7°C against 10°C in Chicago.