Cost of living difference between Washington, DC and Montreal, Canada?

Question

I recently started a business and my income is about $75,000 / yr (all my work is done remotely from the client). I want to move from Washington, DC to Montreal, CA. I've tried googling but couldn't find any sites that directly compare average salaries and cost-of-living between a US city and Canadian city. Could I afford a luxurious 2 BD apt in the best neighborhood of Montreal and still save money? I don't plan on owning a vehicle. How can I determine the difference in spending power?

Answer 1

I would say yes.  It's true, we are taxed to death, but 75 k can still go a long way here, especially if you don't have a car.  You can live in a downtown complex that is directly linked to the underground.  You'd have access to virtually everything without having to go outside (in winter, that's a bonus)

Answer 2

You are a patent lawyer in the DC area and you are only making $75K??????

Unless your business is not in the patent area, you should be doing a lot better.

If you are a patent lawyer and starting out on your own, and you are working US patent's, you DC address is an asset, a Montreal asset would be a detriment.

Answer 3

75K a year?

I don't see why not!

Running and maintaining a car ain't cheap at all these days - especially with the escalating gas prices at the moment.

And since you won't be having a car...

Well, good luck with that buddy!

And welcome to Canada!

Answer 4

You would likely not be able to afford a high-end 2 bedroom in Montreal with that.  Don't forget you'd still have to pay Revenue Canada taxes also.