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Montreal vs Seattle

Montreal runs about 62% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 1,593 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
The Seattle skyline at dusk as viewed from the Jose Rizal Bridge. In the foreground is the Interstate 5 in Washington.
Seattle
$4,162/month · United States
Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0
Montreal monthly
$2,569
Index 40 (NYC = 100)
Seattle monthly
$4,162
Index 65 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+62%
Seattle relative to Montreal
Rent gap
$720
Seattle costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MontrealSeattle
  • Housing
    Housing: Montreal $1,300, Seattle $2,020. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Food
    Food: Montreal $674, Seattle $849. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Transport
    Transport: Montreal $152, Seattle $189. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Montreal $191, Seattle $227. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Montreal $8.10, Seattle $537. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Montreal $149, Seattle $181. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Other
    Other: Montreal $94, Seattle $159. 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

MetricMontrealSeattle
Cost
Total monthly cost2,569 USD✓4,162 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)40✓65
Housing1,300 USD✓2,020 USD
Utilities191 USD✓227 USD
Food674 USD✓849 USD
Transport152 USD✓189 USD
Healthcare8 USD✓537 USD
Lifestyle149 USD✓181 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,572 USD6,575 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate33.1%21.1%✓
Left over each month3,003 USD✓2,413 USD
Average local net salary2,900 USD5,800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,300 USD✓2,020 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,200 USD✓3,856 USD
Buy price per m², centre5,200 USD✓8,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety80/100✓58/100
Healthcare82/10086/100✓
Air quality76/10078/100✓
Public transport78/100✓68/100
Walkability82/100✓74/100
English proficiency72/100100/100✓
Nightlife84/100✓76/100
Family friendliness84/100✓70/100
Median broadband200 Mbps260 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature7°C✓12°C
Summer high26°C26°C
Winter low-14°C2°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h2,170 h✓
Annual rainfall1000 mm950 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access40 min25 min✓
CurrencyCADUSD
Time zoneAmerica/TorontoAmerica/Los_Angeles

Montreal runs about 62% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 1,593 USD a month.

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Go deeper

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

Frequently asked

Is Montreal or Seattle cheaper?

Montreal runs about 62% cheaper than Seattle for this household, a difference of 1,593 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seattle compared with Montreal?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,572 a month in Montreal and $6,575 in Seattle, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Montreal or Seattle?

Montreal scores 80/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; Seattle scores 58 and 86. Montreal averages 7°C against 12°C in Seattle.