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Cost of Living in Montreal

Is it better to rent or buy in Montreal? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$55,421
$698/mo

Median in area: $698

$110,747

Median in area: $110,747

$22,149

If you Rent

$910 /mo
Base Rent$698
Est. Utilities$212
% of Income19.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,708

If you Buy

$940 /mo
P&I (6.843%)$580
Taxes & Ins$148
Est. Utilities$212
% of Income20.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,678

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Montreal?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Montreal. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $910, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $940 per month (a difference of $30).

How much do utilities cost in Montreal?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Montreal is approximately $212. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Montreal?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Montreal without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $36,400 per year.