Montreal
San FranciscoVS
Montreal is 69% cheaper than San Francisco overall.
| Montreal | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $1,750.00 CAD | $4,755.92 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,450.00 CAD | $3,776.76 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 98 | 122 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $97.00 CAD | $113.30 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $110.00 CAD | $223.81 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.70 CAD | $1.82 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $25.00 CAD | $39.17 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $45.00 CAD | $104.91 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $220.00 CAD | $3,217.24 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Montreal...
You would need $195,743 in San Francisco to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montreal cheaper than San Francisco?
Montreal is 69% cheaper than San Francisco overall.
How much is rent in Montreal vs San Francisco?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,750 CAD per month in Montreal and $3,400 USD in San Francisco. Outside the centre, it is $1,450 CAD in Montreal and $2,700 USD in San Francisco.
What salary do I need to move from Montreal to San Francisco?
On average, you need about 326% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Montreal is roughly equivalent to $195,743 in San Francisco.