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).
Quick verdict: Montréal leads on overall relocation score; Montréal is cheaper on average monthly budget.
Toronto averages $3,500/mo vs $2,600/mo for Montréal. Visa friction: Toronto 5/10, Montréal 5/10 — lower is easier. Choose Toronto if Immigrants; choose Montréal if Students. Not immigration advice — confirm rules with official sources.
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 pages
- Toronto guide(child)
- Montréal guide(child)
- Canada hub(parent)
- Toronto visa(child)
- All comparisons(hub)
- Relocation budget tool(hub)
- Study abroad hub(hub)
- Berlin vs Toronto for Relocation(sibling)
- Melbourne vs Toronto for Commonwealth Relocation(sibling)
- Dubai vs Toronto for Tax & Lifestyle(sibling)
- London vs Toronto for Commonwealth Movers(sibling)
- University of Toronto vs McGill(sibling)
- Cost Comparison(hub)
- Visas(hub)
- Guides(hub)
- Immigration(hub)
- Work Permits(hub)