Montreal vs. Fresno Cost of Living Comparison: Which City is More Affordable?
Are you wondering “Which city is more affordable, Montreal or Fresno?” Whether you’re planning to relocate, study, or work, understanding the cost of living differences is crucial.
In this article, we’ll compare:
- Housing costs in Montreal vs. Fresno
- Groceries, transportation, and healthcare expenses
- Utilities and lifestyle expenses
- Average salaries and purchasing power
- Which city offers a better quality of life?
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which city suits your budget and lifestyle better.
1. Housing Costs: Rent & Home Prices
One of the biggest factors in cost-of-living differences is housing affordability. Let’s compare rental prices and homeownership costs.
| Housing Type | Montreal (CAD) | Montreal (USD) | Fresno (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $1,700 CAD | ~$1,250 USD | $1,400 USD |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center) | $1,200 CAD | ~$880 USD | $1,100 USD |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $3,200 CAD | ~$2,350 USD | $2,400 USD |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center) | $2,400 CAD | ~$1,760 USD | $2,000 USD |
| Price per Square Foot (Buying a Home) | $800 CAD | ~$585 USD | $250 USD |
Key Takeaways:
- Rent in Fresno is slightly cheaper for 1-bedroom apartments but comparable for 3-bedroom units.
- Home prices in Montreal are significantly higher than in Fresno.
- Property taxes and insurance are generally lower in Fresno due to lower home prices.
2. Grocery Costs: Everyday Essentials
The cost of groceries varies based on local food production, import taxes, and supply chains. Here’s how Montreal and Fresno compare.
| Item | Montreal (CAD) | Montreal (USD) | Fresno (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Liter of Milk | $2.80 CAD | ~$2.05 USD | $1.50 USD |
| Loaf of Bread | $3.50 CAD | ~$2.55 USD | $2.80 USD |
| 1 kg of Rice | $4.50 CAD | ~$3.30 USD | $3.00 USD |
| 1 kg of Chicken Breast | $15 CAD | ~$11.00 USD | $10.50 USD |
| 1 kg of Apples | $4.00 CAD | ~$2.95 USD | $3.50 USD |
Key Takeaways:
- Groceries are slightly more expensive in Montreal, especially dairy and meat products.
- Fresno, being in California, has better access to fresh produce at lower prices.
- Eating out is generally cheaper in Montreal due to tax differences and competition.
3. Transportation Costs: Public Transit vs. Car Ownership
Transportation expenses depend on whether you rely on public transit or own a vehicle.
| Expense | Montreal (CAD) | Montreal (USD) | Fresno (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | $97 CAD | ~$72 USD | $58 USD |
| Gasoline (Per Liter/Gallon) | $1.80 CAD/L | ~$5.10 USD/Gal | $4.40 USD/Gal |
| Taxi Start Fare | $4.50 CAD | ~$3.30 USD | $3.75 USD |
| Car Insurance (Monthly) | $120 CAD | ~$90 USD | $130 USD |
Key Takeaways:
- Public transportation is more reliable in Montreal, with an extensive metro and bus system.
- Fresno is car-dependent, meaning higher costs for gas and insurance.
- Gasoline is cheaper in Fresno, but car ownership expenses are higher overall.
4. Healthcare Costs: Canada’s Universal System vs. U.S. Private Insurance
Healthcare is a major cost consideration, especially between a universal healthcare system (Canada) and a private system (U.S.).
| Healthcare Expense | Montreal | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Doctor Visit | Free (Covered by Government) | $100 – $150 per visit |
| Health Insurance (Monthly) | $0 (Public) | $400 – $600 per person |
| Prescription Medication | Lower due to subsidies | Higher, unless covered by insurance |
Key Takeaways:
- Montreal offers free public healthcare, significantly reducing medical costs.
- In Fresno, private insurance is required, adding a major expense.
- Prescription drugs are generally cheaper in Canada due to government pricing regulations.
5. Utilities & Lifestyle Expenses
Beyond housing and healthcare, utilities and daily living costs also impact affordability.
| Expense | Montreal (CAD) | Montreal (USD) | Fresno (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet (Monthly) | $80 CAD | ~$60 USD | $75 USD |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling | $120 CAD | ~$90 USD | $180 USD |
| Gym Membership | $50 CAD | ~$37 USD | $40 USD |
| Movie Ticket | $14 CAD | ~$10 USD | $12 USD |
Key Takeaways:
- Electricity and heating are more expensive in Fresno due to California’s energy costs.
- Montreal’s public internet is more affordable, but Fresno has faster network speeds.
- Entertainment and fitness costs are fairly similar between both cities.
6. Average Salaries & Purchasing Power
Higher salaries don’t always mean better affordability. Let’s compare the average salary and purchasing power in both cities.
| Metric | Montreal (CAD) | Montreal (USD) | Fresno (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary (After Tax) | $3,800 CAD | ~$2,800 USD | $3,500 USD |
| Purchasing Power Index | 69.5 | 69.5 | 75.8 |
Key Takeaways:
- Fresno has higher average salaries, meaning better purchasing power.
- Montreal’s lower salary is offset by free healthcare and public transit savings.
- Cost-of-living adjustments make both cities comparable in affordability.
Final Verdict: Which City is More Affordable?
| Category | More Affordable City |
|---|---|
| Housing | Fresno |
| Groceries | Fresno |
| Transportation | Montreal |
| Healthcare | Montreal |
| Utilities & Internet | Montreal |
| Salaries & Purchasing Power | Fresno |
Conclusion:
- Fresno is better for homebuyers, higher salaries, and cheaper groceries.
- Montreal is ideal for renters, affordable healthcare, and public transit.
- Overall, both cities have their strengths, making the choice dependent on lifestyle preferences.
Would you prefer lower home prices and higher salaries (Fresno) or free healthcare and better public transit (Montreal)? Let us know your thoughts!
