Cost of Living (apartment, condo, how much)

[projectmaximus]

Hi Expatistan is showing Montreal as the lowest COL amongst big cities in Canada and significantly more affordable than most big or even medium-sized cities in the US. Just wondering if you've found that to be accurate. Also, how much of this comparison is affected if one is avoiding the harsh winter months? Housing obviously is going to increase significantly if one is seeking temporary housing during the peak season, or amortizing annual costs over a shorter period (let's say 6 months), but just how much is the effect? And are there other amenities that are costlier during the popular periods when tourists flood the region and locals are, presumably, more active as well?

Thanks!

[bostonkid123]

Originally Posted by projectmaximus

Hi Expatistan is showing Montreal as the lowest COL amongst big cities in Canada and significantly more affordable than most big or even medium-sized cities in the US. Just wondering if you've found that to be accurate. Also, how much of this comparison is affected if one is avoiding the harsh winter months? Housing obviously is going to increase significantly if one is seeking temporary housing during the peak season, or amortizing annual costs over a shorter period (let's say 6 months), but just how much is the effect? And are there other amenities that are costlier during the popular periods when tourists flood the region and locals are, presumably, more active as well?

Thanks!

Rent and housing is very affordable in Montreal, compared to other major NA cities. A one-bedroom apartment or condo regularly goes for under $1000 per month in the city, $600-$800 in the suburbs off the island, and $1000-$1300 in downtown areas. It's easily 40-50% less compared to the housing costs in Toronto, Vancouver, or other large U.S. metros like Boston, SF, DC, etc.

https://www.kijiji.ca/b-appartement-...real/c37l80002

Housing supply is also in high abundance year round, due to the high density of buildings throughout the city. For example, one parcel of land land typically hosts anywhere between 2-6 units (households) in Montreal, where as the similar parcel of land in a city like Toronto or Boston would typically just have a large single family house.

Transportation is also very affordable: metro passes go for $85 per month, and is valid on all city buses and metros. An annual bike share pass (BIXI) can go as low as $69 per year, and can be used on all 540 bike share stations throughout greater Montreal for 45 minutes per use. In the summer months, I typically just take a discounted bike share pass and find it more than sufficient to get me where I want to go because there are simply so many bike share stations (nearly 1 every 2 blocks), and much faster and more enjoyable than than driving, taking the bus/metro.

[projectmaximus]

Thanks for the reply BK!