Montreal vs Toronto: Buying a Home 2024 Comparison

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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.

⚠򞬷 Quebec has NO first-time buyer rebate on droits de mutation.
Unlike Ontario (up to $4,000 rebate) or some other provinces, Quebec offers zero provincial refund on the welcome tax for first-time buyers. Every buyer pays the full amount — plan accordingly.

Price Comparison: Montreal vs Toronto

Property TypeMontreal AvgToronto Avg
Condo$420,000–$600,000$650,000–$900,000
Semi-detached$550,000–$850,000$900,000–$1.4M
Detached house$650,000–$1.2M$1.2M–$2.5M+

Land Transfer Tax Comparison

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 $500K+ portion.

Purchase PriceMontreal DroitsToronto LTT (ON+City)Toronto FTB Rebate
$500,000$6,2500~$12,9500Up to $8,475
$750,000$11,2500~$21,200$00 (FTB eligibility limits)
$1,000,000$18,7500~$32,9500$00

First-Time Buyer Programs

ProgramMontreal (QC)Toronto (ON)
LTT/Droits rebateNoneUp to $4,000 ON + $4,475 City
FHSAAvailableAvailable
RRSP HBPAvailableAvailable
Federal FTB tax credit$1,500 savings$1,500 savings

Montreal vs Toronto Droits de Mutation Calculator

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.

Closing Process: Quebec vs Ontario

FactorQuebec (Montreal)Ontario (Toronto)
Closing professionalNotary (mandatory)Real estate lawyer
Notary/lawyer fee$1,200–$2,000$1,500–$2,500
Real estate brokerOACIQ-licensedRECO-licensed
Offer documentPromesse d'achatAgreement of Purchase and Sale

Ongoing Costs: Montreal vs Toronto

CostMontrealToronto
Property tax (condo $600K)~$4,000–$5,000/yr~$4,500–$6,000/yr
ElectricityAmong lowest in North America (Hydro-Québec)Moderate to high (Hydro One / Toronto Hydro)
Provincial income taxHigher marginal ratesLower marginal rates
Condo fees$300–$800/month$400–$1,200/month

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Summary: Which City is Better to Buy In?