Calgary vs Montreal Cost of Living (2026)
Calgary is about 1% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent.
The Verdict
Calgary / month
$2,782
Montreal / month
$2,682
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Calgary
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Montreal
$99,099
Take-home $69,013 · $5,751/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Montreal you'd need $901 less a year (−1%).
Take-home is after 2026 federal and provincial income tax, CPP/QPP and EI for an employee. Cost of living weighs rent, groceries and transit.
Expense Breakdown
Average Rent
1-Bed City Center
Calgary
$1,700
Montreal
$1,700
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Calgary
$420
Montreal
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Calgary
$112
Montreal
$97
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Calgary
$200
Montreal
$160
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Calgary
$300
Montreal
$280
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Calgary
$50
Montreal
$45
Which City Should You Choose?
Calgary, AB: Alberta's energy-sector hub — no provincial sales tax, moderate rent, and a young, mobile population.
Montreal, QC: A bilingual cultural capital with relatively affordable rent for a major metro and a vibrant arts scene.
Estimates are based on 2026 average listings and public cost-of-living indices for a single-person household; actual costs vary by neighbourhood and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calgary more expensive than Montreal?
Yes. Calgary costs about 1% more than Montreal for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,700 a month in Calgary vs $1,700 in Montreal.
Is it cheaper to live in Calgary or Montreal?
Montreal is roughly 1% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Calgary vs Montreal?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Calgary versus $1,700/month in Montreal.
What salary do I need in Montreal to match my Calgary lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Calgary is roughly equivalent to $99,099 in Montreal once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Montreal a good place to move to from Calgary?
A bilingual cultural capital with relatively affordable rent for a major metro and a vibrant arts scene. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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