Montreal vs Toronto Cost of Living (2026)
Toronto is about 48% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
Montreal / month
$2,682
Toronto / month
$3,796
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities, dining and gym 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 Toronto
$148,191
Take-home $103,296 · $8,608/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Toronto you'd need $48,191 more a year (+48%).
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
Toronto
$2,600
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Montreal
$400
Toronto
$450
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Montreal
$97
Toronto
$156
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Montreal
$160
Toronto
$180
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Montreal
$280
Toronto
$350
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Montreal
$45
Toronto
$60
Which City Should You Choose?
Montreal, QC: A bilingual cultural capital with relatively affordable rent for a major metro and a vibrant arts scene.
Toronto, ON: Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living.
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 Toronto more expensive than Montreal?
Yes. Toronto costs about 48% more than Montreal for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,600 a month in Toronto vs $1,700 in Montreal.
Is it cheaper to live in Montreal or Toronto?
Montreal is roughly 48% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Montreal vs Toronto?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Montreal versus $2,600/month in Toronto.
What salary do I need in Toronto to match my Montreal lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Montreal is roughly equivalent to $148,191 in Toronto once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Toronto a good place to move to from Montreal?
Canada's largest city and financial hub — the deepest job market, but also the highest cost of living. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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