Is Montréal or Calgary cheaper to live in?

Calgary is typically more expensive: ~$2,800/mo avg vs ~$2,600/mo in Montréal (SetTern estimates).

Which has easier visas — Montréal or Calgary?

Montréal: QSWP / PEQ (Quebec) (12–24 months (PR)). Calgary: Primary work / residence route (verify official source) (Varies — check official immigration site). Always confirm with official government sources.

Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?

Montréal leads on our 10-point index (7.5 vs 7). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.

What is 1BR rent in Montréal vs Calgary?

Montréal ~$1,100/mo; Calgary ~$1,400/mo (indicative).

Who should choose Montréal over Calgary?

Montréal suits: Students, Tech workers. Calgary suits: Research-stage relocators.

What are main risks in Montréal and Calgary?

Montréal: Bill 96 mandates French for most government services and employers. Quebec immigration is separate from federal — adds 6… Calgary: Guide-tier hub: costs are indicative Numbeo bands; confirm visa rules on the government site before acting.…

City vs city

Montréal vs Calgary: Montréal is cheaper on average ($2,600/mo vs $2,800/mo) in 2026.

Within-Canada comparison: costs, visas, and scores for Montréal and Calgary (2026).

Confirm before you apply

Verify cost and relocation information at official sources

Rules change. SetTern summarizes public data for planning — confirm eligibility, fees, and timelines on government portals before you apply.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-19 · How we source facts

Who · How · Why

How this page was built

Who

SetTern relocation research team

How

Facts are synced from government and university sources into verified_facts; optional pipeline summaries cite only those facts.

Why

Help people compare cities, visas, and relocation costs with traceable sources — not to manipulate rankings.

Last substantive review: 2026-05-19

Editorial policy · Methodology

Side-by-side

Metric	Montréal	Calgary
Relocation score	7.5/10	7/10
Avg monthly budget	$2,600	$2,800
1BR rent	$1,100	$1,400
Visa route	QSWP / PEQ (Quebec)	Primary work / residence route (verify official source)
Visa timeline	12–24 months (PR)	Varies — check official immigration site
Visa friction	5/10	3.5/10
English-friendly	80%	60%
Safety score	70/100	69/100
Housing score	70/100	54/100

Recommendation

Overall index: Montréal. Budget: Montréal. Visa friction: Calgary. Your personal visa and family situation may override these defaults.

Frequently asked

Is Montréal or Calgary cheaper to live in?: Calgary is typically more expensive: ~$2,800/mo avg vs ~$2,600/mo in Montréal (SetTern estimates).
Which has easier visas — Montréal or Calgary?: Montréal: QSWP / PEQ (Quebec) (12–24 months (PR)). Calgary: Primary work / residence route (verify official source) (Varies — check official immigration site). Always confirm with official government sources.
Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?: Montréal leads on our 10-point index (7.5 vs 7). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
What is 1BR rent in Montréal vs Calgary?: Montréal ~$1,100/mo; Calgary ~$1,400/mo (indicative).
Who should choose Montréal over Calgary?: Montréal suits: Students, Tech workers. Calgary suits: Research-stage relocators.
What are main risks in Montréal and Calgary?: Montréal: Bill 96 mandates French for most government services and employers. Quebec immigration is separate from federal — adds 6… Calgary: Guide-tier hub: costs are indicative Numbeo bands; confirm visa rules on the government site before acting.…

Related calculators

View all calculators →

Compare with your profile in the live matcher →