Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILMontreal, Canada

You would need around 43.3% less money in Montreal, Canada to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

43.3%

Montreal, Canada is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,290 USD
Difference-46.4%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B212 USD
Difference-27.6%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B2,930 USD
Difference-43.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Montreal, Canada? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Montreal, Canada is 43.3% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Montreal, Canada's center costs around 1,290 USD, which is a staggering 46.4% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Montreal, Canada is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Montreal, Canada to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Montreal, Canada

2,914 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Montreal, Canada and investing the 43% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Montreal, Canada prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1290 USD
Groceries212 USD
Utilities & Internet185 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1116 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Montreal, Canada.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~187,488 USD in 10 years.