How Much Does It Cost to Live in Montreal?
- Last updated on: December 12, 2022
What is the average cost of living in Montreal?
The average cost of living in Montreal is $1978.50 per month.
Montreal was founded in the year 1642 and was named “Ville-Marie” but got renamed again in the honor of a hill ‘Mount Royal’, situated in the center of the city; thus Montreal. The city harbors a number of beautiful locations and neighborhoods such as the Old Port, le Plateau Mont-Royal and Saint-Henri just to name a few. It is one of the most bilingual cities of Canada. You will be able to order your bagels in the language of your choice!
Cost of living in Montreal - 2023
Housing Costs in Montreal
Given below is a table that lists down the average prices of different types of apartments, their rents, and their costs in three primary zones of the city of Montreal
| City District | Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 + Bedroom |
| Montreal CMA | $1165 | $1580 | $2200 | $2850 |
| Cotes-des-Neiges | $1007 | $1210 | $1508 | $1738 |
| Notre-Dame-De-Grace | $995 | $1503 | $1895 | $1950 |
| Verdun/Lasalle | $857 | $1250 | $1665 | $1800 |
| Plateau-Mont-Royal | $1084 | $1475 | $2150 | $2400 |
| Rosemont/La Petite-Patrie | $1050 | $1350 | $1420 | $2272 |
| Hochelaga-Maisonneuve | $785 | $980 | $1295 | $1450 |
| Villeray/Parc-Extension | $850 | $900 | $1650 | $2087 |
What is the average rent cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Montreal?
The average rent cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Montreal is $1138.
(* Zumper)
Average Cost of Utilities in Montreal
Electricity, Energy, Water and more
Of all the provinces of Canada, none has electricity prices that can beat Quebec. And being located in the same blessed province, being a resident of Montreal means ‘very’ affordable electricity bill. The monthly average rate is around 7.3 ¢/kWh. If your apartment or house is averagely consuming around 1000kWh, then your electric bill will come around $73.
For a 915 sq. ft. apartment, the collective bill of all the utilities is averaged around $95 to $100 which includes electricity, heating, cooling, garbage, water, etc. The average monthly utilities cost in Québec is $325.5. In Montreal, the average monthly utilities cost is $341.
(*EnergyHub)
Home Insurance Rates
As for monthly home insurance rates, throughout the state of Quebec, it is determined by the value of the home. If you are living in a rented apartment or house, you will be paying around $16 to $68 (maximum) as your home insurance. But if you own property, consult the table below for the rates of insurance.
Property Value | Average Home Insurance Rate |
<100K | $50 |
100 – 300K | $66 |
300 – 700K | $79 |
700K – 1.5 M | $96 |
1.5 – 5 M | $191 |
What is the average home insurance cost in Montreal for a 1-bedroom condo?
The average home insurance cost in Montreal for a 1-bedroom condo is $66 per month.
(*Insureye)
Cost of Public Transport and Parking Rates
Public transport in Montreal is present in the form of their famous metro service as well as bus service. The metro service is divided into four parts that each cover a specific route.
- GreenLine: From Angrignon to Honore-Beaugrand.
- OrangeLine: From Cote-Vertu to Montmorency.
- YellowLine: From Longueuil (University of Sherbrooke) to Berri-Uqam.
- BlueLine: From Snowdon to Saint-Michel
For the average cost of public transport in the city of Montreal, consult the 2022 STM fare table below.
STM Fares 2022
Type of fare | Regular fare | 6-17 years old | Students 18+ | Seniors 65+ |
1 trip | $3.50 | $2.50 | – | $1 |
2 trips | $6.50 | $4.25 | – | $2 |
10 trips | $30 | $17.50 | – | $9 |
Evening unlimited pass (6PM – 5AM) | $5.75 |
| – | – |
24h pass | $10 |
| – | – |
Unlimited weekend pass (Friday 4pm to Monday 5am) | $14.50 |
| – | – |
3 day pass (valid until 11:59pm the 3rd day) | $20.50 |
| – | – |
1 week pass (from Monday until Sunday 11:59pm) | $28 | $16.75 | – | $8.50 |
Monthly pass (from the 1st till the last day of the month) | $90.50 | $54 | $54 | $27 |
4 month consecutive pass | – | $212 | $212 | $106 |
Group 1 adult + 10 kids | – | $19 | – | – |
YUL Mtl-Trudeau Airport (747) (24h) | $10 | – | – | – |
747 West route | $10 | – | – | – |
(*STM)
What is the STM monthly pass price?
The STM monthly pass price is $90.50 in 2022.
Cost of The Public Bicycle Sharing System
In the city of Montreal, a bike renting company by the name of Bixi operates. You can either download their app or rent a bike from their station. There are over 600 stations so it is quite convenient to get one of their bikes from their stands and leave it at one that is close to your destination. A 30-minute trip can cost you about $2.99 whereas a day will cost you only $5.25 (24-hours). $15 for 3-days and an annual membership at $97 makes them a lucrative service provider.
Car Parking Rates
Agence de mobilité durable looks after paid on-street parking in the city of Montreal. To encourage the rotation of vehicles during business hours, parking periods and maximum time allowances are determined by the boroughs. Most lots charge for every 20 or 30 minutes up to the maximum with prices varying from around $12 to over $20 for 24/h, this makes on-street parking significantly cheaper when parking for short term. Weekend rates are significantly cheaper. Different rates for different locations are displayed in the table below :
| Borough | Rates |
| Ahuntsic/Cartierville (Chabanel sector) | $2.50 |
| Ahuntsic/Cartierville (Fleury sector) | $2.00 |
| CDN/NDG (East sector) | $3.00 |
| CDN/NDG (West sector) | $2.50 |
| Lachine | $2.00 |
| Mercier/Hochelaga/Maisonneuve | $1.50 |
| Outremont | $2.50 |
| Plateau-Mont-Royal | $3.50 |
| Rosemont/Petite-Patrie | $1.50 |
| Rosemont/Petite-Patrie (Angus sector) | $3.00 |
| Sud-Ouest | $1.50 |
| Sud-Ouest (East sector) | $3.50 |
| Verdun | $2.00 |
| Ville-Marie | $3.50 |
| Ville-Marie (East sector) | $1.50 |
| Ville-Marie (East sector) | $1.50 |
| Villeray/Saint-Michel/Parc-Extension | $1.50 |
| Ville Saint-Laurent | $1.50 |
Car Insurance Rates
Annual car insurance rates in the province of Quebec is around $717, which is the lowest of all the provinces of Canada.
Entertainement
The price to keep yourself entertained in Montreal is not all too shabby, in fact, quite affordable. Considering the essentials only, the average cost of entertainment around the city of Montreal includes:
- Having a meal in any inexpensive restaurant: $17
- Mid-range Restaurant, Meal for 2 People, 3-course (no alcohol): $80
- Domestic Beer: $7
- 2 tickets to the cinema: $28
- A business day taxi trip on basic cost, 8 km.: $16
- Cocktail drink in a bar: $13
Considering the average cost, if you have had 4 beers, 1 restaurant visit with friends, visited the cinema 2 times, and have had 4 regular restaurant meals per month, that can cost you about: $180.
(*Numbeo)
What is the average cost of entertainment in Montreal?
The average cost of entertainment in Montreal is $180 per month.
Average Cost of Groceries in Montreal
Grocery includes items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, and others. Cost for some regular groceries that may averagely be purchased include
| Items (1 kg) | Prices |
Milk (1 Liter) | $2.71 |
Loaf of bread | $3.60 |
Rice | $3.43 |
Dozen Eggs | $3.51 |
Local Cheese | $16.84 |
Chicken | $15.37 |
Beef round | $18.13 |
Apples | $3.99 |
Bananas | $1.77 |
Oranges | $4.12 |
Tomatoes | $4.72 |
Potatoes | $2.46 |
Onions | $2.53 |
Head of Lettuce | $2.17 |
Water Bottle 1.5L | $1.82 |
Cigarettes 20 Pack | $14 |
*Numbeo & Yulorama
What is the average cost of groceries for 1 person in Montreal?
The average cost of groceries for 1 person in Montreal is $350 per month.
Average Cost of Internet in Montreal
There are plenty of internet service providers in Montreal with different types of internet plans as per the need of every customer. On average, a 60 Mbps (or more) connection with unlimited download will cost you around $60 to $70. But with the best internet providers, you can easily find a cell phone and internet package that is both affordable and fits your needs.
How much does Internet cost in Montreal?
Internet costs an average of $65 per month for 60 Mbps in Montreal.
Cost to Maintain Physical Health in Montreal
To maintain physical health in Montreal, gym fees average $50-60 per month in Montreal. For health care, you are covered by Canada’s universal health care system. However, dental and vision insurance is not covered by the Canadian health care system. These are often covered by your employer’s insurance plan.
(*Numbeo)
What is the average cost of a gym membership in Montreal?
The average cost of a gym membership in Montreal is $55 per month.
Provincial Taxes in Quebec
There are three types of sales taxes in Canada. In the province of Quebec, they have GST as well as PST which are set at about 9.975% and 5% respectively coming to a total of 14.975%. Applicable tax on the taxable income includes:
- 15% on the first $45,105 of taxable income.
- 20% on the next $45,105 and over.
- 24% on the next $90,200 and over.
- 25.75% on the amount over $109,755.
One may argue that the taxes in some provinces are higher in comparison to others, but due to the additional services that are offered to the residents by the provincial government.
Conclusion
If you plan on moving to Montreal, then you can calculate the average cost of living in the city using the provided table and selecting the rates along with respective items, and finding the total sum which may vary from one person to another.
Average Monthly Cost of living in Montreal
Category
Description
Cost
Housing
Average rent price for a 1 bedroom apartment + Insurance + Average utility cost
$1408
Transportation
STM Monthly Pass
$90.50
Food
Groceries for 1 person
$350
Internet
50 Mbps unlimited
$65
Entertainement
4 beers, went to a restaurant with friends, went to the movies twice and had 4 restaurant meals per month
$180
Physical Health
The average cost of a gym membership
$55
Total
Sum
$1978.50
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