Cost Comparison 2025

MontrealvsAuckland

Canada
New Zealand

Overall

πŸ’°

+20.0%

Montreal is 20.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+62.5%

Housing is 62.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+14.7%

Restaurants 14.7% pricier

Groceries

πŸ›’

+6.7%

Food shopping 6.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Montreal, Canada and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Montreal is more expensive than Auckland by approximately 20.0%. 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 Montreal are lower than in Auckland by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Montreal's city center costs around CA$1,500, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Montreal offers significant savings compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$18 in Montreal versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Montreal is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$94 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Montreal can expect to spend approximately CA$570 per month (excluding rent), while in Auckland, the same lifestyle would cost around NZ$893. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$1,994 monthly in Montreal versus NZ$3,126 in Auckland. 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
Montreal, Canada
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$1,500
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,100
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
CA$2,600
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$18
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$80
NZ$120
Cappuccino
CA$5
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$6
NZ$12

πŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
CA$3
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
CA$4
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
CA$16
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$4
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
CA$94
NZ$215
Taxi Start
CA$4
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
NZ$3

πŸ’‘ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85mΒ²)
CA$90
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$65
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
CA$0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal to Auckland, 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 Auckland 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

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montreal more expensive than Auckland?

Yes, Montreal is approximately 20.0% more expensive than Auckland overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Auckland salary when living in Montreal. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $60,000 in Montreal for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Montreal and Auckland?

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?

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

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

In Montreal, a single person needs approximately CA$1,670 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$3,894. In Auckland, these figures are NZ$2,793 for singles and NZ$6,326 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Montreal and Auckland in 2025 shows notable 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 Auckland to maintain your lifestyle from Montreal

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 β€’ Data sourced from multiple providers