ON
vs
QC
Kingston vs Montreal Cost of Living (2026)
Montreal is about 3% more expensive than Kingston, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,700 a month in Montreal vs $1,650 in Kingston.
The Verdict
Living in Montreal is 3% more expensive than living in Kingston overall.
Kingston / month
$2,145
Montreal / month
$2,197
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Kingston
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Montreal
$102,528
Take-home $71,190 · $5,933/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Montreal you'd need $2,528 more a year (+3%).
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
Kingston
$1,650
3% more expensive
Montreal
$1,700
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Kingston
$410
2% cheaper
Montreal
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Kingston
$85
14% more expensive
Montreal
$97
Advertisement
Plan your move
Advertisement