Cost of Living: Chicago vs Montreal (2026)
United States vs Canada — relocation comparison
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 45% cheaper in Montreal ($1309/mo vs $2388/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Chicago (27°C vs 25°C).
- •Montreal is safer by homicide rate (2.3 vs 17.5 per 100k).
- •Montreal scores higher on democracy (8.7 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).
Chicago vs Montreal — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Montreal?▾
Montreal is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1309/month in Montreal vs $2388/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 17.50 per 100,000 and Montreal has 2.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or Montreal?▾
Montreal scores 77 to Chicago's 54 on livability — the gap is real. Chicago has its charms, but the numbers favor Montreal. 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.
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