Cost Comparison 2025

MontrealvsFlorence

Canada
Italy

Overall

💰

+7.7%

Montreal is 7.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+2.9%

Restaurants 2.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-9.3%

Food shopping 9.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Montreal, Canada and Florence, Italy reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Montreal is more expensive than Florence by approximately 7.7%. 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 similar than in Florence. A one-bedroom apartment in Montreal's city center costs around CA$1,500, while the same in Florence is approximately €1,200.

Dining out in Montreal costs about the same compared to Florence. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$18 in Montreal versus €15 in Florence.

Public transportation in Montreal is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$94 compared to €35 in Florence.

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

Grocery shopping in Montreal is more expensive by approximately 10%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

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 Florence, the same lifestyle would cost around €468. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$1,994 monthly in Montreal versus €1,639 in Florence. 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
Florence, Italy

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$1,500
€1,200
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,100
€800
3BR City Center
CA$2,600
€2,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$18
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$80
€60
Cappuccino
CA$5
€2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$6
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
€2
Bread (500g)
CA$3
€2
Eggs (12)
CA$4
€3
Cheese (1kg)
CA$16
€15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$4
€2
Monthly Pass
CA$94
€35
Taxi Start
CA$4
€5
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$90
€150
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$65
€30
Mobile Minute
CA$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal to Florence, 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 Florence 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

Florence

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montreal more expensive than Florence?

Yes, Montreal is approximately 7.7% more expensive than Florence overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Florence salary when living in Montreal. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Florence, you'd need about $53,846 in Montreal for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Montreal and Florence?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 10%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Florence, these figures are €1,268 for singles and €3,139 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Montreal and Florence 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 Florence to maintain your lifestyle from Montreal

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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