![Montreal, QC — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]](/images/cities/montreal-ca.jpg)
Montreal, QC
A bilingual cultural capital with European charm, legendary festivals, and surprisingly affordable housing for a major metropolis.
Below Average vs Canada avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Montreal vs Canada Average
Taxes
- Provincial Tax: 14%
- Sales Tax: 14.975%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: C$58,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 1,780,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 9°F
Housing
- Median Home: C$520,000
- 1BR Rent: C$1400/mo
Cost of Living
Montreal's cost of living index is 98.3 (Canada average = 100).
| Category | Montreal | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.3 | 100 | -1.7% |
| Housing | 101.5 | 100 | +1.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$520,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$346 |
Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Montreal:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$120 | Based on ~900 kWh/month usage |
| Water | C$48 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$253 | Monthly estimate |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow, municipal service directories
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Montreal
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: C$1,680/mo.
Montreal Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: C$1,540/mo.
East Montreal
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: C$1,260/mo.
West Montreal
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: C$1,330/mo.
Remote Work Score
Montreal scores 120/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Moderate (Good)
- Climate: 200 sunny days/year (Fair)
- Quality of Life: High (Good)
Climate
Montreal has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°F | 9°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 24°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 27°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Provincial Tax: 14%
- Sales Tax: 14.975%
- Property Tax: ~0.52% of assessed value
Economy
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Overview
Montreal is a city in QC with a population of 1,780,000. A bilingual cultural capital with European charm, legendary festivals, and surprisingly affordable housing for a major metropolis.
FAQ
Is montreal-ca a good place to live?
montreal-ca offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
What is the cost of living in montreal-ca?
The cost of living in montreal-ca varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in montreal-ca?
Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in montreal-ca to maintain your current standard of living.
Data Sources
- Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
- Housing data: Zillow Research
- Demographics: US Census Bureau
- Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Taxes: Tax Foundation
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Montreal, QC?
The cost of living index in Montreal is 98.3, which is below the Canada national average of 100. Residents enjoy lower costs for everyday expenses compared to the national average.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Montreal?
The median home price in Montreal is C$520,000. The housing index is 101.5, which is above the national average.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Montreal is approximately C$1400/mo.
Does Montreal, QC have provincial income tax?
Montreal is in QC, which has a provincial tax rate of 14%.
What is the climate like in Montreal?
Montreal enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 9°F.
Data Sources
All data on this page is sourced from publicly available datasets and updated regularly. Data sources include:
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Climate: Environment and Climate Change Canada
Data last updated: June 30, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.