Hamilton vs Montreal Cost of Living (2026)
Hamilton is about 6% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
Hamilton / month
$2,843
Montreal / month
$2,682
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Hamilton
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Montreal
$94,408
Take-home $66,034 · $5,503/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Montreal you'd need $5,592 less a year (−6%).
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
Hamilton
$1,800
Montreal
$1,700
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Hamilton
$420
Montreal
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Hamilton
$110
Montreal
$97
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Hamilton
$175
Montreal
$160
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Hamilton
$290
Montreal
$280
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Hamilton
$48
Montreal
$45
Which City Should You Choose?
Hamilton, ON: A short GO Train ride from Toronto — popular with people priced out of the GTA looking for cheaper rent.
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 Hamilton more expensive than Montreal?
Yes. Hamilton costs about 6% more than Montreal for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,800 a month in Hamilton vs $1,700 in Montreal.
Is it cheaper to live in Hamilton or Montreal?
Montreal is roughly 6% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Hamilton vs Montreal?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,800/month in Hamilton versus $1,700/month in Montreal.
What salary do I need in Montreal to match my Hamilton lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Hamilton is roughly equivalent to $94,408 in Montreal once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Montreal a good place to move to from Hamilton?
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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