Montréal logs 12 hot days a year to Ottawa's 9 — Ottawa wins by 3. Montréal also leads on outdoor-dinner months by 1.

Montréal runs about $2,085/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Ottawa's $2,521/mo — Montréal comes in $436 cheaper each month, roughly 21% less.

Montréal and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on mobility (3.2 vs 3.2, 0–5 scale).

Montréal's culture score of 4.2 sits well above Ottawa's 3.8, with the biggest gap on nightlife. Ottawa still holds an edge on arts & culture.

Ottawa's nature & outdoors score of 4.7 sits well above Montréal's 4.0, with the biggest gap on lakes & rivers. Montréal still holds an edge on surfing & watersports.

Ottawa's safety score of 3.5 sits well above Montréal's 3.1, with the biggest gap on walking safety. Montréal still holds an edge on wildfire safety.

Montréal's career score of 4.1 sits well above Ottawa's 3.8, with the biggest gap on startup ecosystem.

Montréal and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on social & community (3.8 vs 3.9, 0–5 scale).

Montréal and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on food & dining (3.8 vs 3.6, 0–5 scale).

Montréal and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on family (3.7 vs 3.5, 0–5 scale).

Montréal and Ottawa score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.0 vs 2.0, 0–5 scale).

Montréal averages 8.3 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Ottawa's 6.6 µg/m³ (good) — Ottawa breathes ~20% cleaner air (1.7 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here