Cost of Living: Montreal vs New York (2026)
Canada vs United States — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 69% cheaper in Montreal ($1309/mo vs $4281/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in New York (28°C vs 25°C).
- •Montreal is safer by homicide rate (2.3 vs 5.8 per 100k).
- •Montreal scores higher on democracy (8.7 vs 7.8 / 10 EIU).
- •English is easier to get by in New York (100/100 vs 91/100 English proficiency).
Montreal vs New York — Common Questions
Is Montreal cheaper than New York?▾
Montreal is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1309/month in Montreal vs $4281/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Montreal or New York?▾
Montreal is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Montreal has a rate of 2.27 per 100,000 and New York has 5.80 per 100,000.
Should I move to Montreal or New York?▾
Montreal scores 77 to New York's 57 on livability — the gap is real. New York 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 Montreal or New York?▾
Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). New York: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Montreal or New York?▾
New York is warmer in summer (28°C vs 25°C). Montreal has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in Montreal or New York without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in New York (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Montreal (91/100). In New York, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Montreal, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
Related comparisons