Living in Montréal in 2026 feels different than it did just a couple of years ago. The city is still one of the more affordable major cities in Canada, but everyday costs are no longer something you can ignore or “figure out later.” Groceries, transportation, utilities, and small daily expenses now shape how comfortable life actually feels — especially if you’re new to the city.
This article looks at living expenses in Montreal 2026, focusing on real monthly costs excluding rent. The goal is simple: help you understand what people actually spend, what often gets underestimated, and how different lifestyles change the final number.
Living in Montreal in 2026: what daily life actually costs
When people talk about the price of living in Montreal, they often jump straight to rent. But once housing is sorted, the rest of the costs start adding up faster than expected.
For most residents, the cost to live in Montreal today depends less on luxury and more on routine. How you move around the city. Where you buy food. How often you eat out. Whether you rely on public transit or own a car. These details define your monthly reality far more than headlines about averages.
Montréal still offers a good balance compared to Toronto or Vancouver, but daily life is no longer “cheap.” It’s manageable — if you plan.
What “Living Expenses” Really Mean in Montreal
Living expenses in Montreal go well beyond groceries and a phone plan. In practice, they include:
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Food and groceries from local markets and supermarkets
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Transportation costs (metro, buses, OPUS card, or car-related expenses)
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Utilities such as electricity and heating
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Internet and mobile phone plan
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Health, fitness, and basic personal spending
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Small but recurring costs that show up every month
Together, these form the average cost of living in Montreal outside of housing. Ignoring even one category often leads to budget stress later.
Monthly Living Costs for a Single Person (Excluding Rent)
For a single person, the average living cost in Montreal in 2026 (without rent) usually falls into a clear range.
Estimated monthly costs (excluding rent):
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Groceries: $350–450 CAD
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Transportation: $95–125 CAD
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Utilities (electricity, heating share): $90–130 CAD
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Internet: $55–70 CAD
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Phone plan: $45–60 CAD
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Basic personal expenses: $80–120 CAD
Total:
$715–955 CAD per month
This reflects how the vast majority of residents actually live — not extreme saving, but not luxury either. These numbers align closely with the average cost of living in Montreal Canada reported across recent data sources.
Eating Out, Coffee & Social Life (Realistic Spending)
Montreal offers one of the best food scenes in North America. And yes — people use it.
Eating out doesn’t mean fine dining every week. It usually looks like:
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A mid-range restaurant once a week
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Coffee a few times a week
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Occasional takeout after work
Typical monthly spending:
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Restaurants & cafés: $150–250 CAD
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Coffee runs alone: $50–70 CAD
A three-course meal for two in the city centre can still surprise newcomers. Prices aren’t outrageous, but they’re no longer casual either.
Social life is part of why people choose Montréal. Cutting it out entirely saves money, but most residents don’t — and shouldn’t.
Health, Fitness & Personal Expenses
Health-related spending is usually stable, but easy to underestimate.
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Gym membership: $50–65 CAD
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Basic healthcare items, prescriptions, dental: $30–60 CAD
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Haircuts, toiletries, occasional services: $50–80 CAD
Cold winters matter here. Heating costs, skin care, and seasonal clothing quietly increase expenses. It’s part of living in Montreal — not a surprise, but often forgotten in planning.
How Living Expenses Change by Lifestyle
Not everyone spends the same way. In Montréal, lifestyle choices make a visible difference.
Minimal / student-style living
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Shared housing
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Limited social spending
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Strict control over food and transport
Monthly living expenses:
$650–750 CAD
Common for students, short stays, or people saving aggressively.
Balanced city lifestyle (most common)
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Groceries + occasional dining
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Monthly pass for transit
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Moderate social life
Monthly living expenses: $800–900 CAD
This is the most typical scenario for young professionals and long-term residents.
Comfortable but not luxury
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Frequent dining out
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Gym, fitness classes
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Higher personal spending
Monthly living expenses:
$950–1,100 CAD
Still reasonable by major city standards, but requires steady income.
Common Expenses Newcomers Underestimate
People moving to Montréal often misjudge a few things:
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Electricity and heating in older buildings
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Transportation costs during winter
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Coffee and casual food spending
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Setup costs during the first months
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Small recurring subscriptions
These don’t feel expensive individually. Together, they shape the real montreal living expenses picture.
What a Realistic Monthly Budget Looks Like in 2026
For one person living alone:
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Living expenses (excluding rent): $800–950 CAD
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Rent for a decent apartment: varies by area
If you’re still comparing housing options, there’s a separate guide that breaks down apartment prices and neighbourhood differences in detail:
“Apartments in Montreal: An Overview of Prices for 2026.”
Looking at both together gives a clearer view of total monthly costs.
Final Thoughts: Is Montreal Still Affordable in 2026?
Montreal is not the bargain city it once was — but it’s still one of the better-balanced places to live in Canada.
The cost of living in Quebec Montreal remains lower than Toronto or Vancouver, especially when transportation, utilities, and food are considered. For newcomers, students, and professionals, Montréal still offers something rare: a city where quality of life and cost can coexist — if expectations are realistic.
Planning matters more now. But living well here is still very possible.
FAQ — Living Expenses in Montreal (2026)
How much does it cost to live in Montreal without rent?
Around $750–950 CAD per month for one person.
Are groceries expensive compared to other cities in Canada?
Slightly cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver, but rising steadily.
Is public transport enough to live without a car?
Yes. The metro and bus network cover most needs.
How much should I budget monthly for living expenses?
For most people: about $850 CAD excluding rent.
Is Montreal still affordable for newcomers in 2026?
Yes — with planning. It remains more affordable than many major cities.
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