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Montreal vs Vancouver

Montreal runs about 38% cheaper than Vancouver for this household, a difference of 972 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
Downtown Eastside, Vancouver during coronavirus pandemic
Vancouver
$3,541/month · Canada
GoToVan from Vancouver, Canada · CC BY 2.0
Montreal monthly
$2,569
Index 40 (NYC = 100)
Vancouver monthly
$3,541
Index 55 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+38%
Vancouver relative to Montreal
Rent gap
$800
Vancouver costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

MontrealVancouver
  • Housing
    Housing: Montreal $1,300, Vancouver $2,100. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Food
    Food: Montreal $674, Vancouver $774. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Transport
    Transport: Montreal $152, Vancouver $162. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Montreal $191, Vancouver $221. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Montreal $8.10, Vancouver $9.20. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Montreal $149, Vancouver $168. Cheaper in Montreal.
  • Other
    Other: Montreal $94, Vancouver $107. 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

MetricMontrealVancouver
Cost
Total monthly cost2,569 USD✓3,541 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)40✓55
Housing1,300 USD✓2,100 USD
Utilities191 USD✓221 USD
Food674 USD✓774 USD
Transport152 USD✓162 USD
Healthcare8 USD✓9 USD
Lifestyle149 USD✓168 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,572 USD6,088 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate33.1%26.9%✓
Left over each month3,003 USD✓2,547 USD
Average local net salary2,900 USD3,300 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre1,300 USD✓2,100 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,200 USD✓3,700 USD
Buy price per m², centre5,200 USD✓10,500 USD
Quality of life
Safety80/100✓74/100
Healthcare82/10084/100✓
Air quality76/10084/100✓
Public transport78/100✓70/100
Walkability82/100✓76/100
English proficiency72/10096/100✓
Nightlife84/100✓72/100
Family friendliness84/100✓82/100
Median broadband200 Mbps210 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature7°C✓11°C
Summer high26°C23°C✓
Winter low-14°C1°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h✓1,930 h
Annual rainfall1000 mm✓1190 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access40 min15 min✓
CurrencyCADCAD
Time zoneAmerica/TorontoAmerica/Vancouver

Montreal runs about 38% cheaper than Vancouver for this household, a difference of 972 USD a month.

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Go deeper

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

Frequently asked

Is Montreal or Vancouver cheaper?

Montreal runs about 38% cheaper than Vancouver for this household, a difference of 972 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Vancouver compared with Montreal?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,572 a month in Montreal and $6,088 in Vancouver, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Montreal or Vancouver?

Montreal scores 80/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; Vancouver scores 74 and 84. Montreal averages 7°C against 11°C in Vancouver.