Cost of Living: Montreal vs Vienna (2026)
Canada vs Austria — 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 0% cheaper in Vienna ($1303/mo vs $1309/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Montreal (25°C vs 24°C).
- •Vienna is safer by homicide rate (1.0 vs 2.3 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in Montreal (91/100 vs 89/100 English proficiency).
Montreal vs Vienna — Common Questions
Is Montreal cheaper than Vienna?▾
Vienna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1303/month in Vienna vs $1309/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Montreal or Vienna?▾
Vienna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Montreal has a rate of 2.27 per 100,000 and Vienna has 1.01 per 100,000.
Should I move to Montreal or Vienna?▾
Montreal and Vienna 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 Montreal or Vienna?▾
Montreal: Canada Express Entry (complex process, Permanent residence). Vienna: Austria Red-White-Red Card (complex process, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Montreal or Vienna without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Montreal (EF EPI score: 91/100) than in Vienna (89/100). In Montreal, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Vienna, 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