Montreal vs Vancouver Cost of Living (2026)
Vancouver is about 59% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
Montreal / month
$2,682
Vancouver / month
$4,025
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 Vancouver
$159,086
Take-home $112,765 · $9,397/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Vancouver you'd need $59,086 more a year (+59%).
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
Vancouver
$2,800
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Montreal
$400
Vancouver
$460
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Montreal
$97
Vancouver
$180
Utilities
Electricity, Heat, Water
Montreal
$160
Vancouver
$140
Dining Out
Est. Monthly Spend
Montreal
$280
Vancouver
$380
Gym Membership
Monthly Fee
Montreal
$45
Vancouver
$65
Which City Should You Choose?
Montreal, QC: A bilingual cultural capital with relatively affordable rent for a major metro and a vibrant arts scene.
Vancouver, BC: A mild Pacific coastal city known for its outdoor lifestyle and Canada's most expensive housing market.
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 Vancouver more expensive than Montreal?
Yes. Vancouver costs about 59% more than Montreal for a single person, based on 2026 rent, groceries and transit. A 1-bedroom rents for about $2,800 a month in Vancouver vs $1,700 in Montreal.
Is it cheaper to live in Montreal or Vancouver?
Montreal is roughly 59% cheaper overall once you weigh rent, groceries and transit, based on 2026 estimates.
How much more rent will I pay in Montreal vs Vancouver?
A typical 1-bedroom city-centre rental runs $1,700/month in Montreal versus $2,800/month in Vancouver.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Montreal lifestyle?
A $100,000 salary in Montreal is roughly equivalent to $159,086 in Vancouver once you adjust for the local cost of living.
Is Vancouver a good place to move to from Montreal?
A mild Pacific coastal city known for its outdoor lifestyle and Canada's most expensive housing market. Compare the category breakdown above against your own budget before deciding.
Plan your move
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