Cost Comparison 2025

PerthvsMontreal

Australia
Canada

Overall

💰

-18.8%

Perth is 18.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-31.0%

Housing is 31.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-17.1%

Restaurants 17.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Perth, Australia and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Perth is more affordable than Montreal by approximately 18.8%. 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 Perth are higher than in Montreal by 45%. A one-bedroom apartment in Perth's city center costs around A$1,900, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in Perth is notably more expensive compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$22 in Perth versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in Perth is more expensive, with monthly passes at A$160 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

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

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Perth can expect to spend approximately A$800 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 A$2,801 monthly in Perth 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
Perth, Australia
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$1,900
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
A$1,500
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
A$3,200
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$22
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$100
CA$80
Cappuccino
A$5
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$11
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$2
CA$2
Bread (500g)
A$3
CA$3
Eggs (12)
A$5
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
A$10
CA$16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
CA$4
Monthly Pass
A$160
CA$94
Taxi Start
A$5
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
A$200
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$75
CA$65
Mobile Minute
A$0
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal to Perth, 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 Perth 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

Perth

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Perth more expensive than Montreal?

No, Perth is approximately 18.8% cheaper than Montreal. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Montreal salary when living in Perth. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Montreal, you'd need about $42,105 in Perth for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Perth and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 45%, 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?

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

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

In Perth, a single person needs approximately A$2,300 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$5,201. 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 Perth and Montreal 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 Montreal to maintain your lifestyle from Perth

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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