Cost of Living: Montreal vs San Francisco (2026)

Montreal is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1309/month there vs $3413/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Montreal is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Montreal has a rate of 2.27 per 100,000 and San Francisco has 4.40 per 100,000.

Montreal scores 78 to San Francisco's 56 on livability — the gap is real. San Francisco 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.

Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). San Francisco: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Montreal is warmer in summer (77°F vs 70°F). San Francisco has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1309/month in Montreal, $3413/month in San Francisco (Numbeo). That's 62% cheaper rent in Montreal.

Montreal scores 8.7/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 7.8/10 for San Francisco. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.

Montreal scores higher on our composite healthcare index (85/100 vs 80/100 for San Francisco). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.