Calgary
Montreal

Calgary vs Montreal — Cost of Living Comparison

Calgary
Canada
VS
Montreal
Canada
Estimated average living costs are ~13% lower in Montreal

Calgary

$2,700

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,340,000

Safety

65/100

Quality

74/100

Cost
70
Safety
65
Life
74

Montreal

$2,350

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,762,949

Safety

63/100

Quality

73/100

Cost
68
Safety
63
Life
73

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~13% lower in Montreal

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Calgary

$2,700

estimated per month

Montreal

$2,350

estimated per month

Difference

-13.0%

Monthly savings

$350

Yearly savings

$4,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$65,278

-$9,722/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,500.00$1,350.00
-10.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$950.00
-13.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,600.00$2,400.00
-7.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,900.00$1,700.00
-10.5%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$17.00$16.00
-5.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$75.00$70.00
-6.7%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$10.50$10.00
-4.8%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.70$2.60
-3.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.10$3.00
-3.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.40$3.20
-5.9%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.00$3.90
-2.5%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$12.00$11.50
-4.2%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.80
0.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.70$1.70
0.0%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$100.00$94.00
-6.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$2.50
0.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.60$3.45
-4.2%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.50$1.50
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.40
+3.7%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$175.00$110.00
-37.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$58.00$55.00
-5.2%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$145.00$130.00
-10.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$24.00$22.00
-8.3%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$50.00$45.00
-10.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$12.00
-7.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.00
-4.8%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.50$6.50
0.0%
ItemCalgaryMontrealDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$62.00$60.00
-3.2%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$38.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$92.00$90.00
-2.2%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Calgary vs Montreal

Is Calgary or Montreal more expensive?
Calgary is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 70 compared with 68 for Montreal.
How much cheaper is Montreal than Calgary?
Living in Montreal is around 3% cheaper than Calgary, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Calgary and Montreal?
Calgary scores 70 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Montreal scores 68 — where New York City equals 100.