The Real Cost of Living in Montreal

Every year thousands of newcomers are drawn to experience its unique culture. Lower rents, cheaper transit, and a slower pace means life tends to cost less compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Still, Montreal isn’t immune to rising prices. Inflation has pushed up groceries, utilities, and especially housing, making affordability a real concern for many who call the city home.

So what does it actually cost to live in Montreal in 2025?

In this article, we’ll get into the real costs of living in Montreal, for singles, couples, and families. We’ll walk you through some sample budgets, show how far different salaries can stretch, and point out where you may need to compromise.

Cost of living in Montreal: Let’s talk about budget

Montreal is reported as being 8.7% less expensive than Toronto, but housing will still take up the biggest part of your budget. How much you pay depends a lot on the neighbourhood. Renting a shared apartment in neighbourhoods like Rosemont can cost almost half as much as a one-bedroom in the downtown area. 

A 2024 report by Hardbacon estimates that owning a car in Montreal costs drivers an average of CAD $1,310 each month. This figure reflects the full cost of ownership, including financing, depreciation, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance. By comparison, Montreal transit fares rose about three percent in 2025.

When money’s tight, there are always trade-offs. 

For families, this might mean looking beyond the city centre, where rent is lower and larger housing is easier to find. Sure, the commute gets longer, but the savings can tip the balance, especially if you need extra space for kids. 

For singles or couples, if you don’t mind sharing, renting a room in a flat or house can cut your costs by hundreds each month. It’s not as glamorous but it’s one of the simplest ways to stay on budget while you’re getting settled.

Living in Montreal is about balance. You’ll need to weigh what you earn against how you want to live. Some people justify the high costs for a downtown apartment because being close to cafés, nightlife, and work is worth the price. Others settle into quieter, more affordable neighbourhoods and pocket the difference. Either way, most newcomers end up learning the same lesson – your lifestyle shapes your budget as much as your paycheck does.

• Keen to learn if a $100k salary is good in Montreal? Check out our guide. 

How Much Should You Spend on Rent in Montreal?

Personal finance experts suggest spending no more than 30% of your income on rent. In Montreal, that’s often possible, but not always. 

The average one-bedroom rental in Montreal is around $1,722 in August 2025 according to Rentals.ca’s September 2025 Rent Report. Downtown rents run higher, but some neighbourhoods still offer more affordable options. Utilities are cheaper than in Ontario thanks to Hydro-Québec, but winters push heating bills up.  

So, before you sign a lease, do the math. After rent, utilities, and food, how much do you have left? That “leftover” is what determines whether you can enjoy Montreal’s festivals, nights out, dining out, or weekend trips to the Laurentians.

What is the monthly budget for an average individual in Montreal?

In Montreal, a single person’s monthly costs usually range from CAD 2,200 to 3,500, depending on lifestyle and housing choice.

Typical budget breakdown for one person in Montreal (2025)

• Housing: $1,250–$1,500 for a one-bedroom, or $500–$800 if sharing.
  
• Utilities: $120–$200 depending on season.
  
• Internet + phone: $90–$110.
  
• Groceries: $300–$450.
  
• Transportation: $104.50 for an STM monthly pass (Zone A, 2025).
  
• Tenant insurance: $20–$30.
  
• Healthcare extras: $50–70 for prescriptions and occasional out-of-pocket costs. Full private health and dental coverage usually starts closer to $100–$150/month per person. As a newcomer, you can also supplement provincial coverage with services like Maple.
  
• Entertainment/dining out: $125–$325 depending on habits.
  

That brings the monthly total to around CAD 2,200–3,500 for a single person.

To make these numbers easier to understand, we’ve broken down typical household budgets using the ‘needs, wants, savings’ framework (a variation of the 50/30/20 rule). Needs cover essentials like housing, groceries, and transport. Wants are things like dining out, travel, or entertainment. Savings include emergency funds, retirement contributions, or debt payments. Here’s how different household salaries in Montreal stack up against those categories.

For newcomers earning under $50,000, sharing housing or living farther from downtown is a good option to to stay within budget.

What is the average cost of living for a family in Montreal?

For families, housing drives most of the budget, with a 3-bedroom apartment in Montreal averaging about CAD 2,770 per month. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• Rent (3-bedroom): $1,500–$3,000
  
• Utilities: $120–$180
  
• Internet + phones: $150 (two mobile lines + home Wi-Fi)
  
• Groceries: $1,000–$1,200
  
• Transportation: $315 for three STM passes, or $600–$900 with one car
  
• Insurance (tenant, health, life): $250
  
• Child expenses: $200–$400 (school supplies, activities)

That puts a family’s monthly total between $4,800 and $5,500. Families who also own a car often see their budget climb closer to $6,500 per month.

Cost of living in Montreal as a couple

Living with a partner stretches your budget further:

• Monthly expenses (no car): $3,000–$3,500
  
• Rent: $1,250–$1,500 for a one-bedroom
  
• Groceries: $600–$800
  
• Transit: Two STM passes at $104.50 each
  
• Income fit: With a combined after-tax income of about CAD 90,000, you’ll cover essentials and still have room for savings and leisure.

Transportation Costs in Montreal

There are lots of ways to get around Montreal, and each one comes with its own price tag. Public transit is usually the go-to for newcomers since it’s affordable and reliable. Many neighbourhoods are also easy to bike or walk around. A car can give you more flexibility, especially for families, but it’s by far the most expensive choice. Here’s how the costs break down.

Public Transit

• The STM/ARTM Zone A pass costs CAD 104.50/month (2025) for unlimited metro and bus rides on the island of Montreal.
  
• Discounts apply for students, youth, and seniors; those 65+ ride free in Zone A.
  
• Commuters into Laval or Longueuil (Zones AB/ABC) face higher costs of $150–200+/month.

Biking & Walking

• BIXI bike-share seasonal passes run $10–20/month.
  
• Central neighbourhoods are walkable and bike-friendly, which helps reduce transit needs.

Car Ownership

Owning a car is significantly more expensive than transit:

• Insurance: $70–$120/month (slightly above the Quebec average of ~CAD 75).
  
• Gas: $150–$250/month, depending on vehicle and driving habits.
  
• Parking: $100–$200/month, with higher costs downtown.
  
• Maintenance & repairs: At least $100/month (oil changes, servicing, part replacements).
  
• Winter tires: $900 per set, required by law.

In total, car ownership usually costs CAD 600–900+/month – or closer to CAD 1,300 if financing a newer vehicle.

Which is better? 

• For singles and couples in central Montreal, public transit is usually the most affordable option. Car sharing is also a more affordable alternative to owning a car, with services like Communauto and Evo widely available across the city.
• For families, a car often becomes more practical, especially for school runs, groceries, and activities, though it requires a higher household income to manage comfortably.

How to live comfortably in Montreal

Montreal can be affordable but comfort depends less on what you earn and more on how you spend. With housing costs rising and inflation still affecting groceries and services, the best way to “live comfortably” is to be intentional about the area you live, how you get around, and where your money goes each month.

To stretch your income:

• Choose your neighbourhood carefully. Areas like Verdun, Rosemont, Hochelaga, and Ahuntsic will have cheaper rentals than the Plateau or downtown area, while still keeping you close to metro lines. If you don’t mind being further out and the longer commutes, in many suburbs you can also find larger apartments or houses at lower prices.
  
• Skip the car. Owning a car in Montreal is expensive! Often $600–900+ per month, so many newcomers choose to go without. A monthly STM pass plus occasional car-sharing or weekend rentals will cover most needs for far less.
  
• Cook at home and shop smart. Large chains like Maxi and Super C help keep grocery bills lower. While markets like Jean-Talon or Atwater are perfect for fresh produce (and affordable in-season buys).
  
• Take advantage of free culture. Montreal shines when it comes to low-cost and free events – from outdoor concerts at Place des Festivals to Nuit Blanche, Tam-Tams at Mount Royal, and countless summer street fairs.
  
• Budget for winter. Hydro-Québec notes consumption almost doubles in cold months. Plan ahead for higher bills in January and February so you don’t get caught off guard.
  

Remember, the 50/30/20 rule can help!

What jobs can sustain a high standard of living in Montreal?

Income plays a big role in how comfortable life feels in Montreal. While costs are lower than in other major cities, salaries in Quebec also tend to run lower, which makes choosing the right sector important. The city’s unemployment rate was 8.9% in August 2025, higher than the Labour Market Report’s provincial average of 6.0%. The good news is that Montreal still has a diverse job market with opportunities across multiple industries, from tech and finance to healthcare and the arts.

Key sectors with stronger earning potential:

• Technology and IT: Montreal has a strong tech sector, especially in gaming, AI, and software. Entry-level roles such as software developers or IT analysts usually pay between $60,000 and $80,000 a year. With experience or specialization, salaries can rise into six figures.
  
• Engineering: Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers are in steady demand. Salaries commonly range from $65,000 to $95,000+, depending on seniority and licensing.
  
• Finance and Business Services: Montreal has a solid industry in banking, accounting, and fintech. Accountants with a CPA often earn between $65,000 and $80,000 a year. Financial analysts and business consultants can make $90,000 or more. If you’re interested in this sector, you can explore more about finance and accounting careers in Canada.
  
• Healthcare: Nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers are always needed. The average salary for a registered nurse in Montreal is about CAD 91,087 per year, slightly above the national average. Physicians and specialists can earn considerably more once established.
  
• Skilled Trades and Unionized Work: Electricians, mechanics, and construction workers often earn $60,000–$85,000, sometimes higher with overtime. Unionized roles in transport, public services, and manufacturing provide stability, pensions, and benefits, which add value beyond salary.
  
• Creative Industries: Montreal has a vibrant film, design, and media scene. Pay ranges widely, but experienced professionals face strong competition for the better roles.
  

Comfort benchmarks

• Individuals: A salary of around $55,000+ is generally enough to live modestly but comfortably in Montreal, especially if you share housing or avoid owning a car.
  
• Families: Combined household incomes of $100,000–120,000+ give families breathing room to cover rent, groceries, transport, and savings.

Language matters

Montreal is a bilingual city with 58.5% of the population speaking both French and English. You will need French to work in most customer service and government jobs. In most industries employers will prefer bilingual staff, so that they can handle more clients and teams. 

If you only speak English it will narrow your options. Being at least functional in French will significantly higher your chances of finding work. 

Being fluent in both French and English will definitely open more doors for you, as well as to earn more money. Even knowing a little French can help to get your foot in the door, so it’s worth it to get studying, if you plan to work in Montreal.

Managing the cost of living in Montreal

Moving to a new city always takes adjustment, and Montreal is no different. Everyday costs add up fast, but with planning and smart choices, you can keep your budget on track and still enjoy what this city has to offer.

Practical tips for newcomers:

• Delay car ownership if you can. In Montreal, insurance, gas, parking, and mandatory winter tires make cars expensive fast.
  
• Keep rent within your means – housing drives your whole budget.
  
• Plan for extras like winter clothing, mobile plans, and childcare.
  
• Learn French early – it boosts employability and income potential.
  
• Take advantage of what’s free. Festivals, outdoor concerts, skating rinks, and public events are a big part of Montreal life. Entertainment can be a budget-buster, but here there’s lots you can enjoy in the city without draining your wallet.
  

So, can you afford to live in Montreal as a newcomer?

Affordability looks different for everyone. What feels “comfortable” to one person might feel tight to someone else. Many newcomers do find Montreal easier to manage than Toronto or Vancouver, mostly because rent and utilities run lower. But here’s the catch: how affordable the city feels depends on the choices you make.

Housing, transportation, and lifestyle will drain your budget. If you rent a modest apartment in a less expensive neighbourhood, stick to the STM instead of buying a car, and cook most of your meals at home, you’ll likely find it manageable. On the flip side, renting a downtown condo and financing a car every month will put far more pressure on your wallet.

Montreal makes it easy to live well without overspending. Think free festivals that light up entire blocks, parks perfect for weekend picnics, and neighbourhood events where you’ll meet people while spending little to nothing. These are especially handy in your first years here – they help you save money and build a social circle.

And here’s the thing, affordability isn’t only about the numbers on paper. It’s about whether your daily life feels manageable and enjoyable. So keep this in mind when choosing where to live in Canada. With a realistic budget and some planning, you can settle into Montreal without feeling like you’re missing out. If you’re thinking about moving to Montreal, remember that the city’s cultural scene means there’s always something going on – no matter what your bank balance says.