Cost Comparison 2025

LondonvsMontreal

United Kingdom
Canada

Overall

💰

-31.6%

London is 31.6%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-52.9%

Housing is 52.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-28.4%

Restaurants 28.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-6.3%

Food shopping 6.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between London, United Kingdom and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that London is more affordable than Montreal by approximately 31.6%. 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 London are higher than in Montreal by 113%. A one-bedroom apartment in London's city center costs around £2,500, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in London is notably more expensive compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs £18 in London versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in London is more expensive, with monthly passes at £180 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in London can expect to spend approximately £716 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 £2,505 monthly in London 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
London, United Kingdom
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
£2,500
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
£1,800
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
£5,500
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
£18
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
£80
CA$80
Cappuccino
£4
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
£6
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
£3
CA$4
Monthly Pass
£180
CA$94
Taxi Start
£4
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
£2
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
£200
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
£35
CA$65
Mobile Minute
£0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal to London, 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 London 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

London

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index90

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London more expensive than Montreal?

No, London is approximately 31.6% cheaper than Montreal. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 76% of your Montreal salary when living in London. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Montreal, you'd need about $38,000 in London for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between London and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 113%, 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?

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

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

In London, a single person needs approximately £2,516 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about £6,005. 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 London and Montreal in 2025 shows significant 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 London

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers