QC
vs
ON
Montreal vs Waterloo Cost of Living (2026)
Waterloo is about 11% more expensive than Montreal, mostly because of rent. A 1-bedroom rents for $1,900 a month in Waterloo vs $1,700 in Montreal.
The Verdict
Living in Waterloo is 11% more expensive than living in Montreal overall.
Montreal / month
$2,197
Waterloo / month
$2,430
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 Waterloo
$111,077
Take-home $81,744 · $6,812/mo
To keep the same lifestyle in Waterloo you'd need $11,077 more a year (+11%).
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
12% more expensive
Waterloo
$1,900
Groceries
Monthly Basket (1 Person)
Montreal
$400
8% more expensive
Waterloo
$430
Transportation
Monthly Transit Pass
Montreal
$97
3% more expensive
Waterloo
$100
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