Cost Comparison 2025

DohavsMontreal

Qatar
Canada

Overall

💰

0.0%

Doha is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

-27.3%

Housing is 27.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

+4.6%

Restaurants 4.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Doha, Qatar and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Doha is similarly priced than Montreal. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Doha are higher than in Montreal by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Doha's city center costs around QAR 7,000, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in Doha costs about the same compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs QAR 35 in Doha versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in Doha is more expensive, with monthly passes at QAR 200 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

Purchasing power in Doha is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Montreal.

Grocery shopping in Doha is more affordable by approximately 20%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Doha can expect to spend approximately QAR 1,876 per month (excluding rent), while in Montreal, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$570. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about QAR 6,566 monthly in Doha versus CA$1,994 in Montreal. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Doha, Qatar
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
QAR 7,000
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
QAR 4,500
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
QAR 14,000
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
QAR 35
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
QAR 200
CA$80
Cappuccino
QAR 20
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
QAR 50
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
QAR 6
CA$2
Bread (500g)
QAR 4
CA$3
Eggs (12)
QAR 10
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
QAR 40
CA$16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
QAR 8
CA$4
Monthly Pass
QAR 200
CA$94
Taxi Start
QAR 10
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
QAR 2
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
QAR 300
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
QAR 350
CA$65
Mobile Minute
QAR 1
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal to Doha, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Doha to Montreal requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doha more expensive than Montreal?

The cost of living in Doha and Montreal is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Doha compared to Montreal?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Montreal salary when living in Doha. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Montreal, you'd need about $50,000 in Doha for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Doha and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Doha offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Montreal provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Doha if you prioritize earning potential, or Montreal for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Doha vs Montreal?

In Doha, a single person needs approximately QAR 6,376 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about QAR 15,566. In Montreal, these figures are CA$1,670 for singles and CA$3,894 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Doha and Montreal in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Montreal to maintain your lifestyle from Doha

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers