Edmonton vs Montreal Cost of Living (2026)
Montreal is about 25% more expensive than Edmonton, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,700 a month in Montreal vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
The Verdict
Edmonton / month
$2,335
Montreal / month
$2,682
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Edmonton
$100,000
Take-home $74,459 · $6,205/mo
Needed in Montreal
$125,241
Take-home $84,674 · $7,056/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Montreal you'd need $25,241 more a year (+25%).
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
Edmonton
$1,300
Montreal
$1,700
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Edmonton
$400
Montreal
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Edmonton
$100
Montreal
$97
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Edmonton
$210
Montreal
$160
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Edmonton
$280
Montreal
$280
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Edmonton
$45
Montreal
$45
Which City Should You Choose?
Edmonton, AB: Alberta's capital — generally more affordable than Calgary, with a strong public sector and university presence.
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 Montreal more expensive than Edmonton?
Yes. Montreal costs about 25% more than Edmonton for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,700 a month in Montreal vs $1,300 in Edmonton.
Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton or Montreal?
Edmonton is roughly 25% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Edmonton vs Montreal?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,300/month in Edmonton versus $1,700/month in Montreal.
What salary do I need in Montreal to match my Edmonton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Edmonton is roughly equivalent to $125,241 in Montreal once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Montreal a good place to move to from Edmonton?
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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