Montreal, Canada
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
- State Income Tax: 14.0%
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
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: Statistics Canada, 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: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Montreal:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$98 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$418 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Montreal scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
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" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Montreal faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Summer heat waves.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Tornado risk.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 14%
- Sales Tax: 14.975%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Montreal per 100,000 residents:
Data is the Crime Severity Index (CSI) for the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). CSI is indexed to 100 (Canada = 100 in 2006). Higher values indicate more severe crime. This is not a direct crime rate per 100,000.
Data source: Statistics Canada
Schools & Education
Data source: Fraser Institute — School Performance Rankings
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. 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, Canada?
The cost of living index in Montreal is 98.3, which is Lower the Canada national average of 100.
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.
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 income tax?
Montreal is in QC, which has an income 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.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.