🇺🇸 Chicago vs 🇨🇦 Montreal
United States vs Canada — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Chicago vs Montreal: The Short Version
- •Rent is 96% cheaper in Montreal ($1230/mo vs $2409/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Chicago (27°C vs 26°C).
- •Montreal is safer by homicide rate (2.3 vs 18.2 per 100k).
- •Montreal scores higher on democracy (8.7 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in Chicago (100/100 vs 91/100 English proficiency).
Chicago vs Montreal — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Montreal?▾
Montreal is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1230/month in Montreal vs $2409/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Chicago or Montreal?▾
Montreal is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 18.20 per 100,000 and Montreal has 2.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or Montreal?▾
Montreal edges ahead on most metrics. Chicago isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Chicago or Montreal?▾
Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Chicago or Montreal without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Chicago (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Montreal (91/100). In Chicago, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Montreal, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Want to factor in your salary, family size, and tax situation?
Open interactive comparison →Related comparisons