City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Canada
COL index 68.4
Canada
COL index 80.4
Montréal vs Toronto — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Montréal is 14.9% cheaper than Toronto for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Montréal | Metric | Toronto | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68.4 | Cost of living index | 80.4 | +17.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €39,971 | Net at €50,000 gross | €39,971 | 0.0% |
| €1,580 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,180 | +38.0% |
| €2,335 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,104 | +32.9% |
| €58,437 | PPP — net / COL | €49,715 | -14.9% |
| 20.1% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 20.1% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Canada = €3,331 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Toronto, you would need roughly €58,773 gross in Canada (≈ €3,915 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,580)
- +Favourable tax rate (20.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (47.4%)
- −High cost of living (index 80)
- +Favourable tax rate (20.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (65.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Montréal carries a lower cost-of-living index; Montréal wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Montréal edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Montréal cheaper than Toronto?+
Montréal is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Montréal 68.4, Toronto 80.4 — a 14.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Montréal and Toronto?+
Montréal sits at 68.4 on our COL index, Toronto at 80.4. That works out to roughly 14.9% — Montréal being the cheaper of the two.
Is Montréal a good place to live compared to Toronto?+
It depends on priorities. Montréal delivers €39,971 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 20.1% effective tax rate. Toronto delivers €39,971 at 20.1%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,580 vs €2,180.
How do salaries compare in Montréal vs Toronto?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €39,971/year (€3,331/month) in Montréal and €39,971/year (€3,331/month) in Toronto.
Which city has lower taxes, Montréal or Toronto?+
Canada has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Canada 20.1%, Canada 20.1%.