7 Things to know and do before moving from Toronto to Montreal

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. 

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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. 

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