London vs Montreal Cost of Living (2026)
London is about 3% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,750 a month in London vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
London / month
$2,732
Montreal / month
$2,682
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in London
$100,000
Take-home $74,206 · $6,184/mo
Needed in Montreal
$97,286
Take-home $67,862 · $5,655/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Montreal you'd need $2,714 less 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
London
$1,750
Montreal
$1,700
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
London
$410
Montreal
$400
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
London
$95
Montreal
$97
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
London
$165
Montreal
$160
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
London
$270
Montreal
$280
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
London
$42
Montreal
$45
Which City Should You Choose?
London, ON: A mid-sized Southwestern Ontario city anchored by Western University, with lower rent than the GTA.
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 London more expensive than Montreal?
Yes. London costs about 3% more than Montreal for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $1,750 a month in London vs $1,700 in Montreal.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Montreal?
Montreal is roughly 3% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in London vs Montreal?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,750/month in London versus $1,700/month in Montreal.
What salary do I need in Montreal to match my London lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in London is roughly equivalent to $97,286 in Montreal once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Montreal a good place to move to from London?
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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