San Francisco vs Montreal

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Montreal is roughly 65% more affordable than San Francisco (index 35 vs 98, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Montreal
More affordable overall
65% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 35 vs 98

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

98Cost Index35✓
7,346✓Median Income /mo3,100
45Safety Index62✓
13.3✓Income Tax %27
250✓Internet (Mbps)100
450Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategoryMontreal
$3,524/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
66% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
10% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
36% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$95/month
Monthly Transit Pass
41% ← cheaper
$56/month
$215/month
Utilities (Monthly)
70% ← cheaper
$65/month
$200/visit
Doctor Visit
64% ← cheaper
$73/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet250 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability89/100

Montreal

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Montreal?

Montreal is cheaper than San Francisco. Montreal has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 98/100 for San Francisco (New York = 100), making it roughly 65% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Montreal than San Francisco?

Montreal is approximately 65% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (35 vs 98, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,057/month in Montreal.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Montreal?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,524/month. In Montreal, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Montreal?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 250 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Montreal offers 100 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Montreal has a cost advantage of 65%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Montreal?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $7,346 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Montreal.

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