Are you thinking of becoming a Canadian resident, and have your eyes set on the Jewel of la Belle province? Then, you must be googling the cost of living in Montreal right about now. And you’ve ended up in the right corner of the Internet, as we’ll tell you all you need to know before you embark on an adventure of international moving and starting your life afresh.
Is It Expensive to Live in Montreal?
No, living in Montreal is not expensive, even though it’s not the cheapest place to live in Canada, being a big city and all. Still, it’s significantly lower than Toronto’s cost of living or the cost of living in Vancouver or other big cities, specifically when it comes to renting. But, before you start packing and getting your documents needed to travel abroad sorted, let’s make a quick comparison.
Montreal Cost of Living Compared to That of NY City in USD per Month
If you are moving to Canada, you probably have a job lined up and are aware that the cost of living in Canada tends to be lower than that of the US, especially if we consider big cities. The overall cost of living in Montreal is two times lower than that in NYC, with rent making the most significant difference. That means you’ll be spending around 70% less monthly on average on housing, according to Numbeo, while groceries and dining out will be around 30% cheaper in the Canadian city, and the Internet around 25%.
What Is the Average Salary in Montreal?
If you are looking into how to immigrate to Canada, you must be on a search for jobs in Canada to sustain yourself there. While Toronto has surpassed Montreal as the commercial hub, the city in Quebec province is still a major player in aerospace, railway, software, pharmaceuticals, among others. The average gross income here is around $46,000, according to Neuvoo.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Montreal?
Anything above the average salary. People with experience can expect to make just short of $70,000 per year, which is pretty good. Of course, depending on your line of expertise, you can earn even more than that. What are the highest paying jobs in Montreal, you might ask? Civil engineering managers, business specialists, software engineers, and data engineers tend to earn the most.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Montreal per Month?
Rent is significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, and that is one of the city’s biggest draws and why people call it one of the best places to live in Canada. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1000, while you would have to set aside less than $700 monthly for the same kind of place in one of Montreal neighborhoods further away from the downtown area.
Housing Prices for Those Who Choose to Buy
If you are looking for the best places to live abroad with family and you want to set up home for yourself – know that homes with larger floor plans are in higher demand than condos, and thus more expensive. According to The Canadian Magazine of Immigration, the average house costs around $400,000, and you can find condominiums for around $250,000. Learn more about the projected costs of houses here.
How Much Are Utilities in Montreal?
Another thing to take into account when moving internationally is the utility charges. You can expect them to be around 50% cheaper than in New York and typically charged per month. Utilities here are more affordable even than those in Toronto or other Canadian cities and kept low thanks to Hydro-Quebec, the main electricity generator in Quebec. You can expect to pay less than $100 for basic utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage.
How Does Transportation Affect the Cost of Living in Montreal Canada
The public system consists of the metro and buses, and it is rather extensive, especially the bus lines. While you might have to allow for some delays, as the buses don’t always stick to a schedule, you will find it affordable and easy to use. With an OPUS transit card, you’ll get unlimited access to both the metro and bus lines, and it will only fetch $80 monthly. And if you plan on driving there, and shipping a car overseas, find a reliable automobile transport service on time. After it’s done, one gallon of fuel will cost you in the region of $3.5.
Health Care Is Free in Canada
All Canadian citizens and legal residents are provided with free healthcare, called Medicare, by the government. It is paid by taxes and it covers all the necessary doctor’s visits, tests, and hospital care. Some people opt for extended coverage, usually paid by the employer or through unions, so add that to the relocation questions to ask the employer.
Taxes in Montreal Are Higher Than in the Rest of the Country
Yap, here’s the bad news – taxes are higher than those in Toronto, Ottawa, or other places in the world. According to the Montreal Gazette, at 37.3%, Quebec’s tax burden is higher than the OECD average of 34.2% and the G7 average of 35.7%. But that third of the paycheck you lose in taxes will get you free health care, access to great and affordable education, and safety, so it’s worth it.
Is Montreal a Good Place to Live? Start a New Life for Yourself There, and You Tell Us
Whether you are moving abroad alone or moving to another country for love – stepping into the unknown is always a challenge. How to move abroad, or what to pack when moving abroad, and certainly how to keep in touch with friends – the questions keep lining up. One thing is for sure, though – Canadians will welcome you with a smile and kind words – there is a reason why the country is one of the friendliest countries in the world and one of the best places to live abroad. Don’t hesitate to hire an international moving company to help you tackle this task. Because, with the assistance of an overseas shipping company, you’ll become a Canadian in no time.
