Cost of Living in Montreal

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The cost of living in Montreal is lower than in cities like Vancouver and Toronto but higher than in Calgary and Ottawa. Montreal placed 118th out of 226 cities surveyed in Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey, making it the third most expensive Canadian city.

While the cost of living in Montreal is reasonable, your earnings in the city might be slightly lower compared to the rest of Canada, but this varies across different sectors.

Cost of accommodation in Montreal

Although the market has become more competitive recently, accommodation in Montreal is still largely affordable. The national vacancy rate in Canada recently hit a record low, and Montreal is no exception, with decreasing availability leading to higher rental prices.

While the housing market is still less competitive than in Calgary, Vancouver, or Toronto, it's worth keeping in mind that many rental agreements in Montreal do not include utilities. You'll need to budget separately for electricity, heating, and water, which can significantly impact costs, particularly during the chilly winter months.

If you want to stretch your earnings, consider living outside the city centre, in areas like Est-de-l’Île, Hochelaga-Mercier, or Décarie-Outremont, which tend to be more affordable.

Accommodation in Montreal
Neighbourhoods in Montreal

Cost of transport in Montreal

Montreal has an effective and inexpensive public transport system. The Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) recently began operations, connecting Downtown Montreal with Brossard. This new light metro system helps improve connectivity and reduces congestion, making it easier to get around.

Additionally, the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) has increased bus service hours to meet commuter needs better. To save even more, you can purchase and top up an OPUS smart card, which grants you access to major public transport options in and around Greater Montreal and Quebec City.

Public Transport in Montreal

Cost of groceries in Montreal

When it comes to groceries in Montreal, you'll find prices to be fairly reasonable compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, although there have been some recent increases. The cost of certain staples, such as dairy and meat, has risen significantly over the last few years.

These price hikes are nationwide, but Montreal remains slightly more affordable than other big cities. That said, residents are definitely feeling the pinch of rising food prices, so it's wise to budget carefully when doing your weekly shopping.

Eating out is relatively affordable, with a diverse selection of restaurants that cater to all budgets and tastes. Alcohol and tobacco, however, are quite pricey, particularly after recent excise duty increases. If you enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your meal, keep in mind that prices have gone up, and this is something you'll need to factor into your budget.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Montreal

Montreal offers an array of exciting entertainment, eating out, and lifestyle opportunities. Bars and clubs in Montreal stay open much later than elsewhere in Canada, so if you're always ready for a night out on the town, you'll have no problem finding a spot. Montreal is also known for being one of Canada's most lively party cities, and it's generally more affordable to go out here than in Toronto and Vancouver.

Montreal's entertainment scene is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging. A range of festivals and cultural performances, suiting all tastes and budgets, add to the city's dynamic cultural scene.

Foodies will find everything from classic French cuisine to upscale bistros and quirky sandwich shops, while arts and culture lovers will also find events and performances to suit every budget. Montreal also has plenty of free or low-cost outdoor activities for nature and sports enthusiasts.

Lifestyle in Montreal

Cost of healthcare in Montreal

Healthcare in Montreal is subsidised, and most expats living in the city will be eligible for coverage under Quebec's public health insurance system, administered by the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

To qualify, you must establish your main residence in Quebec and comply with the ‘Presence in Quebec’ rule, which requires you to be present in the province for at least 183 days per calendar year. Eligibility also depends on holding an authorised status, such as Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or certain temporary permits.

Not all healthcare services are covered by public health insurance. Many expats choose to take out supplementary private health insurance to cover additional services, such as dental care and prescription medications. If you're an international student from a country without a health or social security agreement with Quebec, you'll need private insurance to cover your healthcare during your studies.

Healthcare in Montreal

Cost of education in Montreal

Public schools in Montreal are free for residents, but most are French-speaking, which may be a barrier for English-speaking students. Access to English public schools is governed by the Charter of the French Language, which restricts eligibility to children whose parents received most of their schooling in English in Canada. Be sure to verify your eligibility and have the necessary documentation if you're considering English public education for your children.

Montreal also offers a variety of private and international schools that cater to the expat community. Although these schools are popular among expat families, they are popular among expat families. They offer a range of options from bilingual education to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

International Schools in Montreal