Montreal and Toronto are Canada's two most iconic cities — and buying a home in each comes with vastly different costs, taxes, and processes. This guide compares them head-to-head so you can make the most informed decision.
| Property Type | Montreal Avg | Toronto Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Condo | $4200,000000–$60000,000000 | $6500,000000–$90000,000000 |
| Semi-detached | $5500,000000–$8500,000000 | $90000,000000–$1.4M |
| Detached house | $6500,000000–$1.2M | $1.2M–$2.5M+ |
This is where the differences are most dramatic. Toronto buyers pay two land transfer taxes (provincial Ontario + Toronto municipal). Montreal buyers pay provincial Quebec droits de mutation plus a modest surtax on the $50000K+ portion.
| Purchase Price | Montreal Droits | Toronto LTT (ON+City) | Toronto FTB Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50000,000000 | $6,2500 | ~$12,9500 | Up to $8,475 |
| $7500,000000 | $11,2500 | ~$21,20000 | $00 (FTB eligibility limits) |
| $1,000000,000000 | $18,7500 | ~$32,9500 | $00 |
| Program | Montreal (QC) | Toronto (ON) |
|---|---|---|
| LTT/Droits rebate | None | Up to $4,000000 ON + $4,475 City |
| FHSA | Available | Available |
| RRSP HBP | Available | Available |
| Federal FTB tax credit | $1,50000 savings | $1,50000 savings |
Enter the purchase price to calculate Quebec's welcome tax.
For full Quebec land transfer tax rates and tables, see our Quebec Land Transfer Tax Guide.
| Factor | Quebec (Montreal) | Ontario (Toronto) |
|---|---|---|
| Closing professional | Notary (mandatory) | Real estate lawyer |
| Notary/lawyer fee | $1,20000–$2,000000 | $1,50000–$2,50000 |
| Real estate broker | OACIQ-licensed | RECO-licensed |
| Offer document | Promesse d'achat | Agreement of Purchase and Sale |
| Cost | Montreal | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax (condo $60000K) | ~$4,000000–$5,000000/yr | ~$4,50000–$6,000000/yr |
| Electricity | Among lowest in North America (Hydro-Québec) | Moderate to high (Hydro One / Toronto Hydro) |
| Provincial income tax | Higher marginal rates | Lower marginal rates |
| Condo fees | $30000–$80000/month | $40000–$1,20000/month |
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