Toronto vs Montreal — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| Toronto | Montreal | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 80 | 66 |
| Rent index | 78 | 58 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | $2,500 | $1,700 |
A $65,000 lifestyle in Toronto needs about
$53,625
in Montreal (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
Toronto
Canada's largest job market with high rents, though below Vancouver.
Montreal
Big-city culture at notably lower rents — but Quebec's taxes are higher.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the Canada calculator and Canada calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Montreal cheaper than Toronto?
Montreal has an overall cost-of-living index of 66 versus Toronto's 80, so it is cheaper by roughly 18%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Montreal to match Toronto?
To maintain a $65,000 lifestyle from Toronto, you'd need roughly $53,625 in Montreal, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.