Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Toronto to Montreal
Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, with over six million people. During the late 1800s, the city experienced several economic growths, where the Toronto Stock Exchange opened, and the railways grew. Being the largest city, you can expect skyscrapers as tall as 500 feet towering over while walking around.
Montreal, meanwhile, is the biggest city in the province of Quebec and the second-most populous city in Canada. If you are looking for a city with European features in North America, Montreal is the perfect city for you. Filled with history and culture, especially when you walk through the Old Port, you can close your eyes and imagine yourself in Europe.
Moving From Toronto to Montreal
Are you moving and wish you had some help? Check out our free interactive checklist.
Tackle Your Move in Minutes.
1. Save time with every task
2. Access exclusive deals
3. Track your progress
Cost of Living: A Comparison Between Montreal and Toronto
Montreal is a booming city, the same as the other major cities in Canada. For a decent lifestyle, the expenses can vary and will depend on your lifestyle but let’s see how much you will save.
Category | Montreal | Toronto |
Housing | $1285 / Month for a 1-bedroom apartment | $1708 / Month For a 1-bedroom apartment |
Housing Utilities and Insurance | $160 / Month | $215 / Month |
Transportation | $88.50 / Month (STM) | $156 / Month (TCC Pass) |
Car Insurance | $717 / Year | $1528 |
Entertainment | $170 / Month | $230 |
Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $350 / Month | $283.60 |
Communication (Phone and Internet) | $65 Unlimited talk, text, and data included | $80 Unlimited talk, text, and data included |
Health and Fitness | $35 for the membership | $55 for the membership |
Provincial Taxes | About 14.975% | About 13% |
Looking at the table above, you see that the cost of living in Montreal is cheaper than the cost of living in Toronto. Toronto is more expensive, being the biggest city. Housing, insurance, transportation, entertainment, and communication costs are higher in Toronto. However, Montreal imposes higher provincial taxes because of additional services offered by the provincial government to the residents. Even so, in the end, the cost of living in Montreal remains cheaper than the cost of living in Toronto.
The Benefits of Moving to Montreal From Toronto
Even though Montreal’s home prices are rising, the prices remain less expensive than in Toronto. Moreover, the car insurance rates and the public transportation networks are cheaper in Montreal. You can opt to use its public transportation networks.
Montreal takes a slightly slower pace with cobbled streets, French cafes, botanical gardens, and scenic architecture. On the other hand, Toronto has a fast-paced type of life with busy metropolitan areas.
Best Areas to Live in Montreal
Choosing a new neighborhood in Montreal can be tricky. After all, it is Canada’s second biggest city where you can find a variety of opportunities. Here we list some of the best neighborhoods when moving to the city.
Plateau Mont-Royal
This vibrant neighborhood is located towards the north of downtown Montreal with a population of 104,000 people. Sometimes called the “Little Paris” due to its large number of French expatriates, this area is perfect for families and students. Multiple different boutique shops and bars are littered throughout the streets of the Plateau. In addition, leisure activities such as lakeside walks and afternoon picnics are common to this community.
Old Montreal
Known for its cobblestone streets and its European features, it is considered a major tourist attraction due to its buildings that date back to the 17th century. Surrounding this, a variety of museums and attractions exist. The city center is within a walking distance, and the orange metro lines make traveling to different places in Montreal much easier. However, due to all its history and exquisite architecture, rent can be rather expensive and only more suited for young professionals rather than families.
Ville-Marie
This is primarily downtown Montreal which showcases excellent Victorian houses alongside a central business district. This makes it easier for young professionals to establish their businesses or brands on the range of commercial streets that exist in this neighborhood.
Griffintown
This is primarily downtown Montreal which showcases excellent Victorian houses alongside a central business district. This makes it easier for young professionals to establish their businesses or brands on the range of commercial streets that exist in this neighborhood.
Pros and Cons When Planning to Move From Toronto to Montreal
Moving to Montreal from Toronto is not a decision that you should make casually. You need to weigh the pros and cons very carefully in order to determine whether this is indeed the right choice to make.
Pros
- Housing, insurance, transportation, entertainment, and communication are cheaper in Montreal compared to Toronto.
- Montreal is a very green city. With its Mount Royal in the middle of the city, it is easily accessible year round.
- If you are looking for a city with European features in North America, Montreal is perfect for you.
Cons
- Being a smaller city compared to Toronto, Montreal holds less head offices.
- Toronto is more multiculturally diverse than Montreal.
- Keep in mind that French is the primary language in the province of Quebec. You will probably have to learn some French.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Toronto to Montreal?
Moving to a city requires not only packing your things in one go but also transporting them in one drive. Good thing for Toronto to Montreal moving companies, you can rent a truck to bring your things to your new neighborhood. Some providers even offer full value moving coverage, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, custom crates, short term-term, and long-term storage services. It makes moving safe and convenient. Most have online tracking so you can monitor your packages. You do also have the option of renting a moving truck and hauling everything yourself but you just might regret this after your move.
Remember to choose a long distance moving provider with accreditations from organizations like the Canadian Movers Association and Better Business Bureau. They must also provide insurance.
Conclusion
Montreal is a great city to move into if you are looking for a cheaper cost of living. However, beyond the excitement of living in a new neighborhood comes the arduous task of calculating possible expenses, looking for a place to transfer to, and choosing a long distance moving provider, among others. You need to consider all factors so you can move smoothly and start fresh in a new city.
Share this article on social media
Top 5 Best Real Estate Lawyers in Toronto
Top 5 Best Real Estate Lawyers in Toronto – Discover the Best Lawyers in TO A big thumbs-up for taking the first step towards owning a residential property in Toronto! But buying property here might not
Living in Montreal vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Live?
Living in Montreal vs. Vancouver: Where Should You Live? Montreal, the second-most populous city in Canada and the largest city in Quebec, is a cultural and economic hub. While Vancouver, British Columbia’s booming west coast seaport,
Tips to Find Affordable Rental Housing in Toronto
Tips to Find Affordable Rental Housing in Toronto Affordable housing might be a familiar term; however, every person or organization can interpret its meaning differently. When talking about affordable housing, Toronto is one of the most
Living in Edmonton vs. Montreal: Where Should You Live?
Living in Edmonton vs. Montreal: Where Should You Live? The largest city in the far north of Canada and the capital of Alberta, Edmonton, is a thriving urban hub in the middle of a wilderness. The
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Montreal – 2023
Montreal was founded in the year 1642 and was named “Ville-Marie” but got renamed again in the honor of a hill ‘Mount Royal’, situated in the center of the city; thus Montreal. The city has an area of about 431.5 Km2 and a population of 4,221,000. The city harbors a number of beautiful locations and neighborhoods such as the Old Port, le Plateau Mont-Royal and Saint-Henri just to name a few.
5 Best Neighbourhoods to Move to Around Toronto
Toronto is surrounded by every type of neighbourhood imaginable: car-friendly suburbs for families, historic, established cities with brick-clad housing stock, bustling towns with plentiful job opportunities and more. The variety is endless.
