Is Toronto or Montréal cheaper to live in?

Toronto is typically more expensive: ~$3,500/mo avg vs ~$2,600/mo in Montréal (SetTern estimates).

Which has easier visas — Toronto or Montréal?

Toronto: Express Entry / PNP (6–18 months (PR)). Montréal: QSWP / PEQ (Quebec) (12–24 months (PR)). Always confirm with official government sources.

Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?

Montréal leads on our 10-point index (7.5 vs 6.9). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.

What is 1BR rent in Toronto vs Montréal?

Toronto ~$1,800/mo; Montréal ~$1,100/mo (indicative).

Who should choose Toronto over Montréal?

Toronto suits: Immigrants, Tech workers. Montréal suits: Students, Tech workers.

What are main risks in Toronto and Montréal?

Toronto: PR processing times have ballooned to 12–24 months. Study permit delays widespread. Foreign-trained credential recogniti… Montréal: Bill 96 mandates French for most government services and employers. Quebec immigration is separate from federal — adds 6…

City vs city

Toronto vs Montréal: Montréal is cheaper on average ($2,600/mo vs $3,500/mo) in 2026.

Within-Canada comparison: costs, visas, and scores for Toronto and Montréal (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	Toronto	Montréal
Relocation score	6.9/10	7.5/10
Avg monthly budget	$3,500	$2,600
1BR rent	$1,800	$1,100
Visa route	Express Entry / PNP	QSWP / PEQ (Quebec)
Visa timeline	6–18 months (PR)	12–24 months (PR)
Visa friction	5/10	5/10
English-friendly	98%	80%
Safety score	80/100	70/100
Housing score	50/100	70/100

Recommendation

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

Frequently asked

Is Toronto or Montréal cheaper to live in?: Toronto is typically more expensive: ~$3,500/mo avg vs ~$2,600/mo in Montréal (SetTern estimates).
Which has easier visas — Toronto or Montréal?: Toronto: Express Entry / PNP (6–18 months (PR)). Montréal: QSWP / PEQ (Quebec) (12–24 months (PR)). Always confirm with official government sources.
Which city has a higher SetTern relocation score?: Montréal leads on our 10-point index (7.5 vs 6.9). Scores blend cost, safety, housing, and visa friction.
What is 1BR rent in Toronto vs Montréal?: Toronto ~$1,800/mo; Montréal ~$1,100/mo (indicative).
Who should choose Toronto over Montréal?: Toronto suits: Immigrants, Tech workers. Montréal suits: Students, Tech workers.
What are main risks in Toronto and Montréal?: Toronto: PR processing times have ballooned to 12–24 months. Study permit delays widespread. Foreign-trained credential recogniti… Montréal: Bill 96 mandates French for most government services and employers. Quebec immigration is separate from federal — adds 6…

Related calculators

View all calculators →

Compare with your profile in the live matcher →