Montreal vs Ottawa – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Montreal, Canada and Ottawa, Canada? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Montreal has a monthly cost of $4,390, which is 17.2% lower than Ottawa's $5,300.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Montreal offers 100 Mbps, while Ottawa provides 70 Mbps – making Montreal's connection 42.9% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Montreal is currently 17°C 🌧️, while Ottawa is experiencing 17°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Montreal has a safety score of 83.0 , while Ottawa scores 86.0 .
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Overall
Quality of Life
Ottawa wins
Ottawa is 8% better
Cost
Climate
Ottawa wins
Infrastructure
Montreal wins
Social
Montreal wins
Montreal is 18% better
Montreal is 14% better
Montreal is 18% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Montreal | Ottawa | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $4,390 | $5,300 | -17.2% |
Daily Average | $146 | $177 | per day |
Housing
Item | Montreal | Ottawa | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $1,200.00 per month | $1,350.00 per month | -11.1% |
Daily Life
Item | Montreal | Ottawa | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $3.50 per cup | $3.50 per cup | 0.0% |
Transportation
Item | Montreal | Ottawa | Difference |
---|
Utilities
Item | Montreal | Ottawa | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Montreal vs Ottawa
Montreal ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 1.0% higher than Ottawa overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $4,390 vs $5,300
- Daily Expenses: $146 vs $177
- Montreal is 17.2% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Montreal leads with 43% faster connection
- Public Transport: Ottawa has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Montreal Wins In:
- Nightlife (18% better)
- Culture (14% better)
- Food Scene (18% better)
Ottawa Wins In:
- Healthcare (8% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Montreal if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Nightlife. However, Ottawa might be preferable if Nightlife is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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