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Cost of Living in Montreal, Canada | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Montreal

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 09, 2025

Summary: The cost of living in Montreal, Canada is generally considered to be quite reasonable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Montreal can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Montreal is usually around $20 USD per person.

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Is the cost of living in Montreal high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Montreal, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Montreal is generally considered to be quite reasonable. The city is known for its affordable housing, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre being around $1,000 per month. Groceries and other everyday items are also relatively inexpensive, with the average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant being around $50. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with monthly passes costing around $83," remarked one expat in Montreal.

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Will I save money living in Montreal?

"Living in Montreal can be more affordable than living in the United States. The cost of living in Montreal is generally lower than in the US, with rent, groceries, and other everyday expenses being significantly cheaper. Additionally, Montreal has a lower sales tax rate than most US states, which can help to reduce the cost of purchases. Furthermore, Montreal has a strong public transportation system, which can help to reduce the cost of transportation," wrote a person living in Montreal.

What is the average cost of housing in Montreal?

If you are thinking about moving to Montreal, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Montreal is generally considered to be quite high. Renting an apartment in the city can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 per month, depending on the size and location. Buying a home in Montreal can be even more expensive, with the average price of a single-family home being around $500,000," wrote a person living in Montreal.

"Housing costs are roughly half those of the UK. an average 2 storey house costs $226,000 dollars but is of course bigger than a similar house in the UK as they usually have finished basements," explained one expat living in Montreal.

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With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Cigna Global Health

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Montreal?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Montreal, can range from around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The rental price for a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Montreal, Canada, can range from around $1,500 to $2,000 per month," remarked one expat living in Montreal.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Montreal what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Montreal typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. Some properties may also include a microwave, toaster, and other small kitchen appliances," wrote one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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