Vancouver vs Montreal

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Montreal is roughly 34% more affordable than Vancouver (index 35 vs 53, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Montreal
More affordable overall
34% cheaper than Vancouver · Cost index: 35 vs 53

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

53Cost Index35✓
3,445✓Median Income /mo3,100
65✓Safety Index62
19.6✓Income Tax %27
137✓Internet (Mbps)100
200Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

VancouverCategoryMontreal
$2,495/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
52% ← cheaper
$1,200/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
6% ← cheaper
$1.5/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
11% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$82/month
Monthly Transit Pass
32% ← cheaper
$56/month
$91/month
Utilities (Monthly)
29% ← cheaper
$65/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
39% ← cheaper
$73/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Vancouver

Internet137 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability75/100

Montreal

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver cheaper than Montreal?

Montreal is cheaper than Vancouver. Montreal has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 53/100 for Vancouver (New York = 100), making it roughly 34% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Montreal than Vancouver?

Montreal is approximately 34% cheaper than Vancouver based on cost index scores (35 vs 53, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Vancouver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,979/month in Montreal.

What is the rent comparison between Vancouver and Montreal?

In Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,495/month. In Montreal, the equivalent is around $1,200/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Vancouver offers 137 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Montreal offers 100 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Montreal has a cost advantage of 34%.

What is the average income in Vancouver vs Montreal?

The median net monthly salary in Vancouver is approximately $3,445 USD, compared to $3,100 USD in Montreal.

Compare Vancouver with…

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