Cost of Living: Gothenburg vs Montreal (2026)
Sweden vs Canada — relocation comparison
- VAT-free under €7k
- 29% social
- €1000/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €20k
- 12% social
- €800/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated April 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated April 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 18 weeks. Between 18-22 weeks requires board approval.
No legal gestational limit. Fully decriminalized since 1988.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Rainbow Index source: ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map (European cities) / Equaldex Equality Index (elsewhere) — two distinct scales
The Short Version
- •Rent is 17% cheaper in Gothenburg ($1080/mo vs $1309/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are noticeably warmer in Montreal (25°C vs 19°C).
- •Gothenburg is safer by homicide rate (1.1 vs 2.3 per 100k).
- •Gothenburg scores higher on democracy (9.4 vs 8.7 / 10 EIU).
Gothenburg vs Montreal — Common Questions
Is Gothenburg cheaper than Montreal?▾
Gothenburg is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1080/month there vs $1309/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Gothenburg or Montreal?▾
Gothenburg is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Gothenburg has a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 and Montreal has 2.27 per 100,000.
Should I move to Gothenburg or Montreal?▾
Gothenburg and Montreal are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. 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 Gothenburg or Montreal?▾
Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Gothenburg or Montreal?▾
Montreal is warmer in summer (25°C vs 19°C). Gothenburg has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
What's the cost of rent in Gothenburg vs Montreal?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1080/month in Gothenburg, $1309/month in Montreal (Numbeo). That's 17% cheaper rent in Gothenburg.
Is Gothenburg or Montreal better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Gothenburg scores 9.4/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 8.7/10 for Montreal. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Gothenburg
Stockholm vs Gothenburg
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Gothenburg vs Graz
Compare Montreal
Toronto vs Montreal
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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