Performance
Score Breakdown
Montreal
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Montreal is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Cincinnati.
| Metric | Montreal | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,351 | $1,410 | -4% |
| Groceries | $356 | $493 | -28% |
| Utilities | $107 | $178 | -40% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $250 | -72% |
| Monthly Total | $1,985 | $2,451 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 32% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Montreal delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Montreal is estimated at
$42,780 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Montreal | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,475 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,780 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,881 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $45,335 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Montreal | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cincinnati has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Montreal.
Montreal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Montreal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Montreal | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 77.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 87.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 39.78 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montreal is the larger city
— approximately 6.2x the population of Cincinnati.
From a growth perspective, Montreal is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Montreal | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,945,359 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.30% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 40.6 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Montreal
Advantages
Montreal boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals and events year-round, including the Just For Laughs Festival and the Montreal Fireworks Festival.
The city is highly walkable (Walk Score 87) and offers excellent public transportation (Transit Score 77), reducing the need for a car.
Montreal is North America's most bike-friendly city, with over 1,065 kilometers of bike lanes and paths.
The cost of living in Montreal is generally more affordable than in other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Montreal's economy is diverse and resilient, with strong growth in sectors like aerospace, information technology, and digital media.
Drawbacks
Crimes against persons and hate crimes increased in Montreal in 2024.
Traffic congestion is a notable issue, with Montreal ranking among the most congested cities globally.
While overall rent is more affordable than some major cities, average rent prices have been consistently increasing.
The unemployment rate, while showing recent declines, climbed to 7.8% in 2024 before improving to 6.8% by December 2025.
The average commute time in Montreal is 29 minutes, which is among the highest in Canadian metro areas.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Montreal
#5Quebec, Canada
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,351
Avg Salary
$53,475
Cost Index
63
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
77.0/10
Walkability
87.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.30%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
85
Business
75
Cincinnati
#49Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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