Boston vs Montreal

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Montreal is roughly 59% more affordable than Boston (index 35 vs 85, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Montreal
More affordable overall
59% cheaper than Boston · Cost index: 35 vs 85

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

85Cost Index35✓
5,385✓Median Income /mo3,100
65✓Safety Index62
5✓Income Tax %27
179✓Internet (Mbps)100
235Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

BostonCategoryMontreal
$3,477/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
65% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
13% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% ← cheaper
$56/month
$236/month
Utilities (Monthly)
72% ← cheaper
$65/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
39% ← cheaper
$73/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Boston

Internet179 Mbps
Coworking$235/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Montreal

Internet100 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability65/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston cheaper than Montreal?

Montreal is cheaper than Boston. Montreal has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 85/100 for Boston (New York = 100), making it roughly 59% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Montreal than Boston?

Montreal is approximately 59% cheaper than Boston based on cost index scores (35 vs 85, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Boston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,216/month in Montreal.

What is the rent comparison between Boston and Montreal?

In Boston, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,477/month. In Montreal, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Boston or Montreal?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Boston offers 179 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$235/month. Montreal offers 100 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Montreal has a cost advantage of 59%.

What is the average income in Boston vs Montreal?

The median net monthly salary in Boston is approximately $5,385 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Montreal.

Compare Boston with…

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