The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 13% more expensive than Montreal.
If you move from Los Angeles to Montreal, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $63,529 in Montreal.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love Montreal:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | Montreal | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $2,275 | $-700 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $369 | $-59 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $252 | $-63 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $101 | $-36 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $150 | $-30 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $3,147 | $-887 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 65/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want lower overall living costs (13% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Montreal to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Montreal | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,353 | $7,647 less |
| $75,000 | $63,529 | $11,471 less |
| $100,000 | $84,706 | $15,294 less |
| $125,000 | $105,882 | $19,118 less |
| $150,000 | $127,059 | $22,941 less |
| $200,000 | $169,412 | $30,588 less |
Los Angeles vs Montreal: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 13%. Montreal is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while Montreal has 65.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs Montreal: $2,242/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 0, while Montreal wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.