Portland vs Montreal

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Montreal is roughly 48% more affordable than Portland (index 35 vs 66, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Montreal
More affordable overall
48% cheaper than Portland · Cost index: 35 vs 66

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

66Cost Index35✓
4,865✓Median Income /mo3,100
58Safety Index62✓
9.9✓Income Tax %27
150✓Internet (Mbps)100
220Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

PortlandCategoryMontreal
$1,800/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
33% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$4.96/liter
Meal for One
70% ← cheaper
$1.5/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$100/month
Monthly Transit Pass
44% ← cheaper
$56/month
$255/month
Utilities (Monthly)
75% ← cheaper
$65/month
$180/visit
Doctor Visit
59% ← cheaper
$73/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Portland

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability73/100

Montreal

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland cheaper than Montreal?

Montreal is cheaper than Portland. Montreal has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 66/100 for Portland (New York = 100), making it roughly 48% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Montreal than Portland?

Montreal is approximately 48% cheaper than Portland based on cost index scores (35 vs 66, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Portland could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,563/month in Montreal.

What is the rent comparison between Portland and Montreal?

In Portland, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,800/month. In Montreal, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Portland offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$220/month. Montreal offers 100 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Montreal has a cost advantage of 48%.

What is the average income in Portland vs Montreal?

The median net monthly salary in Portland is approximately $4,865 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Montreal.

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