Have you decided to start a new chapter in your life by moving internationally to Ville de Montréal (VDM)? We have decided to put together an ultimate list of living in Montreal pros and cons just for you. Be sure to take a look at it before you call your chosen international moving company and see if life abroad suits you or not.
The most populous city in the province of Quebec and the second-largest in the country, Montreal remains a significant economic center. Apart from offering the best education, the city has a stable economy and a strong job market, which attracts more and more people to it. Read on to find out if Montreal is really a match for you and what are the pros and cons of living here.
Is Montreal a Good Place to Live?
With its flourishing and progressive art scene, world-class restaurants, enthralling history, and serene parks, Montreal seems to be Canada’s true dark horse and one of the best places to live in Canada. Less serious than its neighbor Ottawa and much different from Vancouver and Toronto, it is still a dream city for many Canadian and US citizens flocking to feel its spirit every year. But, it is never all rainbows and butterflies, and living here also entails some drawbacks. Things like crumbling infrastructure, shabby roads, linguistic clashes, high taxes, and long cold winters might increase your moving stress if you don’t prepare for them on time.
Higher Taxes Are Among the Biggest Cons of Living in Montreal
According to a Fraser Institute study, Quebec enforces the highest tax rates in North America. For example, the highest one is related to personal income tax, which is not proportional to the average. For example, if you’re earning $50,000 a year, you’ll pay 16.37% in personal income taxes. Among US states and other Canadian provinces, this is the highest rate.
Wondering what is considered a good salary in Montreal? The average salary that should cover all of your basic lifestyle needs should be around $20,715 annually (about $1,725 monthly). If you want to have a more comfortable life, you should strive for more. But a better wage unfortunately also means higher taxes.
Is It Expensive to Live in Montreal?
Montreal might not be the cheapest place to live in Canada, but with all it’s got to offer, it makes moving to Canada> worthwhile. If you break down the cost of living in Canada and compare its major centers like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary to Montreal, relying on figures from >Numbeo, you’ll notice that Quebec’s largest city is more affordable to live in than the rest of the country. So, can moving to Montreal reduce your expenses?
Housing Costs
To begin with, the housing prices vary markedly. For example, to buy a flat in the city center is twice cheaper than it would be to purchase a place in one of the desirable Toronto neighborhoods and also drastically less expensive than bidding for top Vancouver neighborhoods. And the rent is also significantly lower. You can even find places that give a trial month for free, which is becoming less and less common in gentrified areas of other Canadian metropolises. But, don’t start celebrating just yet – tax rates are higher than in other parts of the country.
Food and Restaurants
Though the food prices are similar to other cities, it would be a shame to cook all the time in one of the best vegan cities and foodies paradise. And if you eat out, amazing meals can be found for much lower prices. Montreal boasts gourmet cuisine from all over the globe, and it is also famous for the so-called depanneurs, which offer craft beer and delicious snacks to go with it. And if you’re moving to another country for the love of food, you won’t be disappointed. The diverse culinary scene is one of the city’s greatest pros, and it’s hard to beat. With the largest number of restaurants per capita in North America, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and to make it even better, you’ll pay less.
Multiculturality and Easy-Going Attitude
VDM is among the best multicultural cities in the world, and many artists choose to settle here. If you’re among them, know that no matter which one among the best neighborhoods in Montreal you decide to call your home, you’ll find a bunch of like-minded people from around the world to connect with. Numerous musicians and writers were either born or started their careers here. Also, if you’re a night owl, know that bars and clubs in VDM don’t close until 3 AM. Therefore, you’ll always find something exciting late at night.
Is Montreal Cheaper Than Ottawa?
The country’s capital is a 2-hour drive from the most famous Canadian-French city, so the question of affordability naturally arises. Though they both have much to offer, life in Montreal is actually fairly less expensive than living in Ottawa. According to Expatistan, the cost of living differs by 12%, with housing and entertainment varying to the largest degree. Both can be hailed as cultural spots, but to enjoy a play or a concert in Montreal is rather more budget-friendly.
Work Prospects in Abundance
Getting a well paid and a steady job is a decisive factor when moving internationally. If you already have a distinguished career, make sure you come up with useful relocation questions to ask the employer. Perhaps, living in Montreal Canada will mark a new, exciting chapter in your career path or a totally fresh beginning. Whatever the case is, the city has got you covered.
Moving to VDM: Costly Visa
If you want to know how to immigrate to Canada, you firstly need to start with the documents needed to travel abroad. It’s a relief to know that immigration costs are fairly reasonable compared to the US, Australia, or the UK. However, the costs of obtaining a visa will depend on your situation, such as the type of immigration program and the size of your family. You still need to count on a costly expense when it comes to obtaining it. For instance, a family of four needs to pay approximately 11,000 CAD. You also need to meet settlement funds requirements, which for a family of four is 23,542 CAD.
Canada’s National Programs
The Canadian Government boasts numerous programs for people looking for employment. You can apply for Express Entry if you believe you can contribute to the country’s economy, but you should know that Quebec is not part of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This province has its own acts, so make sure you check out Quebec’s immigration policies before deciding on the best way to find work.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Montreal?
There are many dynamic jobs in all fields, and the job market is constantly growing and improving in Montreal. There’s a vast tourism sector and opportunities galore if you want to work in education and help people with breaking the language barrier since the city has never quite given up on its bilingualism. Besides, it’s a mecca for artists gathering in search of a place where they can express their creativity while being able to pay the bills at the same time. But if none of this is your cup of tea, you can still find work in finance or technology, which are also booming.
The average monthly salary is, according to Numbeo, 3,200 CAD after tax, which is around 2,500 USD, but this city certainly won’t fail you if you want to find more lucrative lanes and make better incomes. In its high potential business sectors, Montreal shows great capacity. And, the rent prices are also lower, which is a bonus asset for new business owners.
Living in Montreal Without Speaking French – Cons Alert
If you have doubts about moving across the world because of foreign languages, Montreal will help you shed those fears. Though it might be seen as a major con, the city actually gives you an opportunity to immerse in two of the world’s most beautiful languages. Due to the city’s complex political history, English and French are equally spoken here, and you might encounter impediments if you speak solely one language.
You might be able to go by with just one, but it would be the same as having an alcohol-free party or drinking decaf coffee – nice but not the real deal. You’ll quickly notice that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that people are friendly and willing to share tips for learning a new language. So don’t forget enthusiasm and open-mindedness while thinking about what to pack when moving abroad. Perhaps here you’ll get to see why it is impossible to understand a culture without speaking its language. And if you find yourself missing the familiar, there will be numerous expat communities to fall back on. And if you want to learn more about life in Montreal from the perspective of an English speaker, take a look at the following video.
Getting Around Montreal Without a Car
If you don’t want to think about shipping a car overseas or would simply prefer other means of transportation, you’re at the right spot. Montreal has a great public transport system with shorter commute times than most of its neighbors and nicer station esthetics. The monthly pass will set you back for about 86 CAD (about 65 USD), but it is usually worth it. But alas, the road quality is quite poor since the city had a problem with construction works and repairs and started seriously amending these only recently. So, prepare for occasional bumps on the road or congestions if you run into repairs. You can still escape this by riding a bike in one of the country’s best organized and most beautiful cycling city networks.
Public Transportation Is Affordable
Getting around without a car is cost-effective, convenient, and safe. About one-third of households don’t own a car, which means that public transportation is a viable option for Montrealers. Therefore, when it comes to cars VS public transit, you may want to think twice before shipping a car overseas. Especially since the monthly pass is only $86 CAD ($65). Société de transport de Montréal is the city’s public transportation system and includes buses, taxi buses, and the “Metro,” a subway system. You can also get around the place quickly and inexpensively with yours or rented bikes. BIXI is the city’s system of public cycling. You should definitely not leave your bike in a storage unit, but bring it with you.
Heavy Traffic and Failing Infrastructure
VDM is having a lot of challenges when it comes to infrastructure. Some of the roads are in pitiful condition, with concrete dropping off and too many potholes. The Champlain Bridge is almost always closed and is at the risk of crumbling to pieces. On the other hand, there’s always some construction on the road which leads to heavy traffic problems, especially in the summer. The sewers and roads have been neglected for a long period, and now there’s a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done. The government is keen on finding financial support, but it seems like Montrealers will have to suffer for a longer period.
Life in Montreal – Things to Do – Pros Galore
Since you’re thinking about moving to Canada‘s VDM, know that this place has many great advantages. Crime rates are scarce, primary and secondary education is entirely free, university tuition is affordable for everyone, the place is culturally diverse, and you’ll find stunning landscapes no matter the season.
As you might have concluded already, the city won’t leave you craving for fun times. Whatever your thing is, you’ll be able to fit in and find like-minded people. The general culture is enjoyment-oriented, and downtown is buzzing with places packed with people, music, and conversation.
Montreal’s Public Parks
If you’re moving to Canada with pets, you should definitely choose VDM. The city is home to many green public parks where you can practice basically any sport that comes to mind or spend time with your furry friends whenever the weather is nice. Larger parks can offer many sports facilities, and picnicking is a popular activity during summer. Did you know that you can drink publicly in every green space? That’s correct. Since drinking in public is legal, summers in VDM can be pretty exciting and full of parties. If you’re moving to another country for love, be sure to surprise your partner with a romantic picnic in Parc La Fontaine, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Parc Maisonneuve.
Don’t forget to take spectacular photos at Parc Angrignon and add your own favorite to the list. You can also go hiking at historical Mount Royal and discover how the city’s name came about. Or make a picnic at the breathtaking Parc La Fontaine and dive into the Park Jarry swimming pool on a hot summer’s day. And when winter comes, you don’t have to lock yourself inside since almost all parks have skating rinks and give you a good reason to go out and stay active. If you’re moving with kids, you’ll love nature even more since it provides quality time, so Montreal will surely end up on your list of best places to live abroad with family.
When Winter Comes – Pros or Cons?
Living in Montreal, Canada, in winter is not as scary as it may seem. Summers here can be hot and nice, but winters are a bit harsh, especially for those relocating from warmer areas. The temperatures do fall up to -22°F, and you are legally bound to switch to winter tires, but the roads are usually fully functional. The city is not dead over the winter, and people try to enjoy it as much as possible.
If you’re a winter sports fan, make sure to check out skiing or snowboarding coupled with breathtaking sceneries at Bromont or Mont Saint-Sauveur, which are both a relatively short ride from the center. And if you want to have fun while keeping in touch with friends, buy them a gift they can’t find back home at some of the chic Christmas markets.
Festivals to Your Heart’s Content
No matter what music you like, you’ll be able to enjoy it at some of Montreal’s summer festivals. Native music, classical and rap vs. metal, pop and indie rock, the city won’t leave you hanging. The open-air festivals offer an opportunity to enjoy numerous genres and see firsthand why Canada is one of the friendliest countries in the world. The list of performers is also jaw-dropping, with some of the world’s hottest acts coming each year. Even when winter comes, you’ll be covered since the city is host to the exciting Igloofest. And if you have kids, you’ll still have a place to go to as they might enjoy the city’s world-renowned Cirque du Soleil or some of the thought-provoking children’s festivals.
Is Moving to Montreal a Good Idea?
Thinking of international moving? If you are ready to arrange packing services with proper boxes and moving supplies, or storage services and take your valuables using custom crating, start researching where to find a reliable overseas moving company. Don’t let your dream only last a night since Montreal will make you understand Canada, and whether you love it or just use it as a temporary stop, it will make you learn more about it than any other city out there.
Relocating long-distance or internationally can be challenging during these Coronavirus times. That is why the crucial thing is to find a reputable overseas moving company. When moving to another country, the final piece of advance would be to look up a couple of tips and tricks on how to live in another country. Adjusting to a new environment will take some time, but just try your best and enjoy everything MTL offers. Don’t wait anymore to see why so many people fall in love with this place, and it might change your perspective on the continent too.
