Montréal vs New York: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Montréal vs New York: Montréal runs about $2,470/mo all-in vs $4,970/mo in New York — Montréal is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and…
Montréal is the cheaper base — roughly $2,500/mo less all-in, Montréal scores higher for safety, and New York has the better-rated internet. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Montréal is about $2,500/mo cheaper — $2,470/mo all-in vs $4,970/mo in New York (one person).
- Rent: lower in Montréal ($1,400/mo vs $3,200/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Montréal rates higher (80/100 for Montréal vs 72/100 for New York).
- Internet: New York scores better for remote work (80/100 vs 88/100).
- Climate: New York edges ahead (55/100 vs 62/100).
- Visa: easier to move to Montréal — Montréal's process is rated Moderate, New York's Hard.
- Expat community: larger and more established in New York (84/100 vs 92/100).
- Families: Montréal rates safer for family life (90/100 vs 72/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in New York (~$5,500/mo vs ~$3,000/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Montréal (70/100 vs 56/100).
Frequently asked questions
Is Montréal or New York cheaper to live in?
Montréal costs about $2,470/month all-in for one person; New York costs about $4,970/month. That makes Montréal roughly $2,500/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Montréal than New York?
About $2,500/month for a single person — $2,470/mo in Montréal vs $4,970/mo in New York, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Montréal or New York?
Montréal scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (80/100 for Montréal vs 72/100 for New York). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Montréal or New York?
For connectivity, New York rates higher (80/100 vs 88/100). On climate, New York edges ahead (55/100 vs 62/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Montréal or New York?
Montréal's visa process is rated Moderate (about 12 weeks); New York's is rated Hard (about 12 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Montréal and New York for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.