QC
vs
NB
Montreal vs Saint John Cost of Living (2026)
Montreal is about 46% more expensive than Saint John, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,700 a month in Montreal vs $1,100 in Saint John.
The Verdict
Living in Saint John is 31% cheaper than living in Montreal overall.
Montreal / month
$2,197
Saint John / month
$1,555
Rent, groceries and transit for one person.
Salary match: what you'd need to earn
Salary in Montreal
$100,000
Take-home $69,585 · $5,799/mo
Needed in Saint John
$68,627
Take-home $51,207 · $4,267/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Saint John you'd need $31,373 less a year (−31%).
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
Montreal
$1,700
35% cheaper
Saint John
$1,100
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Montreal
$400
5% cheaper
Saint John
$380
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Montreal
$97
23% cheaper
Saint John
$75
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