Montreal is one of the best places to live. It’s known as one of the world’s happiest cities! Moving to Montreal is the way to go if you’re seeking a beautiful, vibrant, culturally diverse city to call home. Located in the Quebec province, Montreal is predominantly French-speaking and Canada’s second-largest city.
The city’s charm stems from a perfect mix of North American heritage and European flair, making it a cultural and artistic hub. Montreal attracts immigrants from all over the world who are excited to explore its rich culture and opportunities.
If you’re considering moving to Montreal, here’s a step-by-step guide. The blog covers everything you need to know, from the best places to live to the best time to move and the pros and cons of moving to Montreal, and if this is your first time in Montreal, you can checkout the best short term rentals in montreal by corporate stays.
Let’s dive right into it!
Key Takeaways
- The benefits of moving to Montreal are affordability, safety, job opportunities, and a rich culture.
- The cons of living in Montreal are traffic congestion, high taxes, language barrier, and harsh winters.
- Several immigration and visa options are available: Express Entry, QSWP, PGWP, etc.
- Join expat groups for networking and insights.
- Seek legal or immigration expert advice before making decisions.
Why Move to Montreal?
Here are the key reasons thousands of immigrants relocate to the city annually.
- Affordability: Montreal offers an affordable lifestyle while providing a good standard of living. The cost of renting a house or an apartment isn’t high compared to other cities in Canada or North America.
You can get a decent one-bedroom Furnished apartment Downtown for $1,600 – $1,800 monthly. Meanwhile, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto and Vancouver costs up to $2,200 and $3,000, respectively.
Everything is cost-effective in Montreal, from housing to public transport, power supply, and food.
- Safety: Montreal is safe – with low crime rates. Data from Numbeo reveals that the city is safe for everyone. The rate of violent crimes is very low, and you don’t have to worry about being targeted because of your skin color or race. According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Montreal is the sixth safest city in the world!
- Job Opportunities: Montreal is a city of opportunities. Depending on your skill set, you can easily find a decent job. Just like any other modern city, opportunities abound. But your expertise, skill level, and experience determine what you get.
- Rich Culture: The culture is one of the top attractions. From the architecture and nightlife to museums, fun centers, and annual festivals, Montreal has a rich, vibrant culture. There is no limit to the level of fun you can have in the city!
The demerits of living in Montreal:
- Extreme weather during winters
- Traffic jam
- Language barrier
- High taxes
Understanding Montreal’s Immigration & Visa Options
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Montreal’s immigration and visa options work.
1. Express Entry System
This is a system used by the government to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. Express Entry manages three immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
You can leverage any of the above programs to immigrate to Canada.
Here’s how the Express Entry process works:
- Create a profile on the platform.
- Enter the pool.
- Candidates with the most points in rounds will be invited.
- Fill out the application if you’re invited to apply.
- Immigration will review your application and make a decision afterward.
The Express Entry process costs some money:
- Your application: $1,525
- For your family members: spouse – $1,525; dependent child – $260
2. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
This program is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Quebec. It’s designed by the province to attract skilled individuals and integrate them into society.
Key features of the QSWP:
- Points-based selection system.
- No job offer is required.
- Focus on French proficiency.
Eligibility Criteria
- Higher education or skill in lucrative fields.
- Work experience.
- Age – Younger applicants get more points.
- Proficiency in French is an advantage.
- The skill level and language proficiency of your spouse and children are considered.
- Adaptability – work or study experience or having a family connection in Quebec can boost your score.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI) – apply through the Arrima portal.
- Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) Application: Selected candidates are invited to apply for the Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ), which shows that the applicants have been selected for immigration.
Processing Time: Up to 9 months.
Fees: From $1,525.
3. Study Permits & Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP)
You can immigrate to Canada to study using the Study Permits. Get your documents ready, follow the rules, and apply online. After studying, the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) allows students from eligible schools to gain valuable work experience.
How long PGWP lasts depends on two major things:
- The level and duration of your study program.
- The expiry date of your passport – whichever comes first.
Your work permit will only be issued for the period of validity of your passport. If your passport expires first, you can apply to extend your PGWP. To run the extension, apply after getting a new passport that’s valid throughout the eligibility period of the work permit.
4. Temporary Work Permits & Business Visas
A temporary work permit lets you work in Canada as a foreign worker. This gives you the leverage to apply for permanent residence. A temporary work permit comes with strict conditions, such as dictating:
- The validity period is typically 1 – 2 years.
- The employers the holder can or cannot work for.
- The type of work a holder may perform.
- The cities the holder can or cannot work.
- When (specific times) the holder can or cannot work.
A business Visa lets you visit Canada for business purposes. It’s designed for those who want to visit Canada temporarily for business-related reasons. A Business Visa is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). With this, you can start a business and take the appropriate steps to apply for permanent residence in Montreal.
Cost of Living in Montreal: What to Expect
The cost of living in Montreal is low compared to other cities in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to live in Montreal, according to Numbeo.
Housing: Rent Per Month
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: $1,699.23
- Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: $1,331.62
- Apartment (3 bedroom) in the city center: $2,869.74
- Apartment (3 bedroom) outside of city center: $2,163.57
Here is comprehensive data on Montreal’s rental price trends over time
Transportation
- One-way ticket (local transport): $3.75
- Monthly pass (regular price): $100.00
- Taxi Start (normal tariff): $5.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): $2.05
- Taxi 1 hour waiting (normal tariff): $48.10
Utilities
- Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $109.54
- Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data: $51.00
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60.34
Groceries
- Milk (regular), (1 liter): $3.23
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): $4.55
- Eggs (regular) (12): $4.71
- Apples (1kg): $5.32
- Tomato (1kg): $6.26
Sports and Entertainment
- Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult: $55.54
- Tennis court rent (1 hour on weekends): $21.47
- Cinema, international release, 1 seat: $15.00
Cost of Living in Montreal vs. Toronto/Vancouver
|
|
Montreal (CAD) |
Toronto (CAD) |
Vancouver (CAD) |
Ottawa (CAD) |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center |
$1,699.23 |
$2,525.66 |
$2,753.12 |
$2,009.35 |
|
One-way ticket (local transport) |
$3.75 |
$3.35 |
$3.25 |
$4.00 |
|
Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$109.54 |
$142.42 |
$141.97 |
$228.71 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$4.71 |
$4.91 |
$5.73 |
$4.89 |
|
Cinema, international release, 1 seat |
$15.00 |
$17.00 |
$16.00 |
$15.00 |
*Data from Numbeo
Finding Housing in Montreal
Finding housing in Montreal is easy. There are several rental listing platforms you can use to find a house or an apartment in any part of the city.
Renting vs. Buying: When it comes to housing, a newcomer has two major options: to rent or buy. Renting is suitable for you if you want flexibility or lower upfront costs. But if you’re seeking stability, want to build equity, and make long-term gains, you can consider buying a house in Montreal.
Renting vs. Buying in Montreal
|
Renting |
Buying |
|
Flexibility |
Stability |
|
Low upfront cost |
High upfront cost |
|
Not responsible for property maintenance |
Responsible for property maintenance |
|
No property taxes |
Property taxes |
|
No long-term gains |
Long-term gains – with home equity |
Best places to live in Montreal
Here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider as a newcomer in Montreal.
- Plateau-Mont-Royal: It’s a lively hub for art and culture. The Plateau stands out as a young, student-friendly neighborhood. The streets are lively with beautiful townhouses, thrilling artistic scenes, art galleries, theaters, and a bohemian atmosphere.
The perks of living in Plateau-Mont-Royal include unique architecture, a cosmopolitan area, a well-connected neighborhood, cozy places to unwind, numerous schools, and green spaces.
- Downtown: This is the urban core of the city. The city is beautiful and vibrant, featuring universities, corporate offices, busy bars, cultural sites, casual eateries, and food markets. Being a vibrant hub of shoppers, Rue Sainte-Catherine is adorned by chain stores and malls.
The advantages of living Downtown include easy access to public transit, great art and culture, diverse cuisines, exceptional shopping experiences, and good schools.
- Old Montreal: It’s an old neighborhood where 17th and 18th-century architecture is preserved. It has cobbled pedestrian streets, which are lined with lively plazas, colorful shops, and cafes.
The benefits of living in Old Montreal are the unique architecture, European feel, tourist attractions, French cuisine, a strong sense of community, good public transport, green spaces, and a diverse culinary scene.
- Mile End: Mile End is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Montreal. It’s a place where multiculturalism meets a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere. The streets are filled with boutiques, cafes, bars, restaurants, bakeries, galleries, and charming houses.
Living in Mile End comes with some perks, including exceptional night scenes, a family-friendly environment, cheap rent, a student-friendly neighborhood, and a good public transport system.
- Westmount: It’s a residential enclave for the rich. Westmount residents are among the wealthiest in Canada. Living in Westmount is great due to the good job market, great family life, and access to necessary services – hospitals, businesses, & restaurants.
To get an affordable and comfortable house or apartment, check out our listings at Corporate Stays. It’s one of the leading platforms for rental listings.
Job Market in Montreal: Finding Work Before Moving
You can apply for jobs before moving. To find a job easily, you need to identify the high-demand industries & occupations, search for jobs in the right places, create a valuable resume, and learn how to respond to Canadian employers.
Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Workopolis are the top websites where you search for jobs. In-demand workers in Montreal include nurses, software engineers, civil engineers, construction workers, pharmacists, engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, and more.
Tips to improve your resume for the Canadian job market:
- Update your resume following the Canadian resume format.
- Don’t go beyond 4 pages – leave it at 2 if possible.
- Highlight skills and achievements.
- Include only important personal information.
- Customize your resume for each application
- Present your most relevant experience.
- Quantify your achievements – don’t be vague.
- Make sure it’s professional and error-free.
- Include a tailored cover letter.
Interview preparation tips:
- Research the company.
- Dress well – it’s very important!
- Know the questions to expect and get prepared.
- Your body language matters. Be confident!
- Thank the hiring manager for their time at the end of the interview.
- Tell the hiring manager you look forward to hearing from them.
- Follow up after 7 days if you don’t hear from them.
Workplace culture:
- Become comfortable with diversity.
- Be diplomatic and avoid direct confrontation.
- Many companies are often less formal.
- Employers value initiative
- Project a positive attitude.
- Many establishments operate non-hierarchical management structures.
Employee rights in Montreal:
- Right to fair compensation.
- Right to a safe work environment.
- Right to equal treatment.
- Right to privacy.
- Right to unionize and collective bargaining.
- Right to reasonable working hours and rest periods.
- Right to leaves of absence.
- Termination and severance rights.
Public Transportation & Getting Around Montreal
The city has a well-organized, extensively connected public transportation system. With a good understanding of how the system works, getting around Montreal is super easy. Let’s look at the key players in the transport industry.
Societe de Transport de Montréal (STM): STM is a public transport agency that operates transit buses and rapid transit services in the metropolitan area of Montreal.
There is a Bixi bike-sharing system that serves the metropolitan area of the city. The bike-sharing option contributes to the efficiency of Montreal’s transport system.=
Cost of monthly passes & fare options:
- One-way ticket (local transport): $3.75
- Monthly pass (regular price): $100.00
- Taxi Start (normal tariff): $5.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): $2.05
- Taxi 1 hour waiting (normal tariff): $48.10
What if you want to drive? That sounds good! However, you have to get a driver’s license. Learn how it works below.
Requirements for newcomers:
- Must be 16 years old to begin learning.
- Must be 18 years old to drive alone.
- Required documents include proof of residence in Quebec, legal status in Canada, and if applicable, your current license.
The step-by-step process of getting a license:
- Theoretical courses
- Knowledge assessment
- Practical driving course
- Practical exam
Healthcare System in Montreal
Montreal’s healthcare system is first-world. To make the most of the system, you need to understand how it works.
Public vs. Private Healthcare: The province utilizes both public and private healthcare to achieve a robust healthcare system. The public sector provides universal coverage that everyone can access, while the private sector serves people who need faster, more personalized treatment.
How to Apply for RAMQ (Rege de I’assurance maladie du Quebec)
RAMQ is the government health insurance board. Here’s how to apply:
- Determine your eligibility
- Get the required documents
- Complete the application form
- Submit your application
- Wait for confirmation
- Notification of coverage
- Get your Healthcare Insurance Card
Health insurance options for newcomers: Newcomers rely on private health insurance until government insurance coverage is granted.
The private insurance options:
- Temporary health insurance plans
- Comprehensive health insurance plans
- Travel insurance plans
Private health insurance providers in Canada:
- Sun Life
- Manulife
- Blue Cross
- CAA
Best Time to Move in Montreal
The weather plays a key role in determining the best time to move to Montreal. The city experiences long, cold winters and hot, humid summers. During the winter season, temperatures often go below freezing.
The summer season is the best time to move to Montreal – from June to September. This is because temperatures are warmer, and the weather is generally better. Therefore, driving and parking are easier. The downside is that costs may be higher due to increased demand.
You can move during the winter, from March to May and October to November. However, you risk encountering snowstorms in the spring and fall. The way out is to ensure the roads are free of snow and salt before moving.
July 1st moving day in Montreal: This is an old tradition in Quebec, where most leases for rental homes end on June 30th. So, people are required to move on July 1st. The tradition was based on French legal customs.
While this is no longer a requirement, the practice persists to date. You should consider the moving day when planning your relocation to Montreal.
Things to Know Before Moving to Montreal
Language Considerations: French is Montreal’s official language. The city is bilingual – French and English. Over 50% of the population can speak both French and English. Moving to Montreal requires you to be willing to learn French if you want to get fully integrated.
Montreal’s Cultural Diversity & Etiquette: The city is open to the world. People from diverse cultures and religions live there. Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion & respect are the city’s etiquette. You’re obligated to become comfortable with diversity and project a positive attitude toward everyone.
Banking & Financial Setup for Newcomers: Financial institutions offer banking products and services to newcomers or people moving to Montreal soon. For instance, BMO offers the BMO NewStart Program that helps newcomers to start their new lives easily.
These financial setups include basic banking services like access to credit with no credit history, savings accounts, and money transfers.
Community Support Groups & Expat Networks: There are support groups and expat networks you can join to learn more about moving to Montreal. You can get actionable guidance from people who have gone through the process. Some of the communities and expat networks to join include InterNations, Meetup, Expat.com, FlyerTalk, and Easy Expat. Join expat groups for networking and insights!
FAQs About Moving to Montreal
Is Montreal an Expensive City to Live In?
No, Montreal isn’t an expensive city to live in when you compare it with other top cities in Canada and North America. Montreal is affordable compared to cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
How Difficult Is It to Find a Job in Montreal?
Finding a job in Montreal is easy for some and difficult for others. Even though there are numerous job adverts in Montreal all the time, how quickly you get employment is dependent on your qualifications, experience, and job-seeking skills.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers?
The best neighborhoods for newcomers include Plateau-Mont-Royal, Downtown, Old Montreal, Mile End, and Westmount.
How Long Does It Take to Get Permanent Residency in Quebec?
It takes months to years to get permanent residency in Quebec. Several factors determine the length of time it takes. For example, your path to permanent residency and score (where applicable) are some of the factors that determine how fast you get permanent residency.
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Montreal the Right Choice for You?
Moving to Montreal is a good decision. The city is great for you if you’re looking for an affordable yet advanced city with unique architecture and diverse communities. Montreal is safe and affordable, with job opportunities and a great culture.
You can move to Montreal through immigration and visa options, including Express Entry, Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), Study Permits & Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), and Temporary Work Permits & Business Visas.
While there are good reasons to relocate to Montreal, the city has some challenges. The major cons of living in Montreal are traffic congestion, high taxes, language barrier, and harsh winters.
Seek legal or immigration expert advice before making decisions. If you decide to move to Montreal, start planning early by researching visa options.
