Top 5 Pros and Cons of Moving to Montreal, QC in 2024

Do you take a “better safe than sorry” approach? 

Then Montreal is the place for you! 

One of the biggest pros of moving to Montreal is its safety and family-friendliness, subjecting to the lowest crime rates in Canada.

Located southwest of Quebec City, Montreal is the second safest city to travel to. This Canadian French City has world-class attractions, colonial neighborhoods, and a diverse culture, combining European elegance with a North American way of life. 

Montreal is also known as the City of Circus, as Cirque du Soleil, the world’s largest and most talked-about contemporary circus entertainment, originated there. 

Besides art, Montreal is the birthplace of the much-loved Canadian food, Bagels and Poutine. 

This is just the start. 

Montreal has a lot more in store for you. Today, Montreal is more than just a city with an exciting nightlife. It has transformed into a Cosmopolitan metropolis, offering its residents exceptional education, affordable living, and a vibrant culture.

Despite the advantages, moving to Montreal has a few cons, such as high taxes and harsh winters. 

Moving to an entirely new city and experiencing its culture hits you differently. It can be both scary and exhilarating. 

Hang tight! This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons of moving to Montreal and answer all your common questions regarding your relocation. 

What is Montreal Popular For? 

1. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

From classic European art to modern sculptures, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is an absolute delight for art lovers. 

Interesting fact: 

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has nearly 47,000 pieces of art from around the globe, with masterpieces showcasing Quebec, Canadian, and Indigenous heritage. 

2. Cultural Dishes

Montreal is home to many restaurants and cafes offering satiating cuisines from all over the world. Yes, you heard that right!

Montreal staples include sugar pie, tourtière (meat pie), poutine, and pea soup. But Montreal offers more than traditional dishes. Its diverse population has made Montreal a hub for immigrant-based cuisines, such as Italian and Chinese. 

You will have the best Gourmet experience in Montreal with innovative chefs and unique restaurants. 

Interesting fact: 27 Montreal restaurants made this year’s Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2024. 

3. From Mount Royal to “Montreal” 

Montreal’s name comes from Mount Royal, which is at an altitude of 233m/764ft. Today, it is not just a mountain but a 10 square km heritage site and an iconic landmark for Montreal residents and tourists. 

Mount Royal’s three peaks are prominently seen from anywhere in Montreal, standing in the city’s heart. 

In summer, you can enjoy nature and unwind under the shade of tall green trees. It is also perfect for outdoor activities such as running, cycling, or admiring the cross and Beaver Lake. 

The residents also enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trails. 

4. The Underground City or the City of Tunnels

You can find RÉSO signs, a series of interconnected passages, and a pedestrian network connecting metro stations, commuter stations, shopping malls, and offices. 

Montreal is called the Underground City because it links apartments, banks, universities, the central bus station, and the Bell Centre arena, home to the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, for over 33 kilometers (about 20.5 miles). 

5. McGill University

Canada’s oldest university, McGill University, is home to nearly 40,000 students and is an architectural gem in the heart of Montreal. With rich heritage buildings and the beauty of a green oasis, the campus is more than just an educational institution. 

Don’t forget the Macdonald-Stewart Library and McCall MacBain Arts buildings when you visit. 

6. Formula 1

Montreal is the only city in Canada with its own F1 event—Grand Prix Du Canada! The most awaited weekend in June transforms the downtown core into a multi-day activity.

The roads turn into pedestrian pathways, and race cars rip around the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, giving fans a thrilling show. The event tells you what goes behind the F1 Paddock Club, the winners’ podium, driver meet and greet, first-class race views, etc. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Montreal, Quebec City

Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 advantages and disadvantages of moving to Montreal, Quebec City.

This second-largest city in Canada offers exceptional education, beautiful European charm, diverse culture, and the best nightlife. But there’s more to unfold. 

5 Pros of Moving to Montreal – The Good Side

1. Affordable Housing

Rent is a significant expense when calculating the cost of moving to Montreal. Montreal’s rentals won’t significantly affect your pocket, especially compared to Toronto and Vancouver. 

Moving outside the downtown core, the rent of a decent one-bedroom apartment or condo in Montreal will be between $1,200 and $1,600 monthly. Meanwhile, downtown rent will increase to $1600-$1800. 

Conversely, a one-bedroom condo in Toronto costs between $2200-$2700. On the other hand, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver will cost you between $ 3000 and $3500. 

Montreal residents typically find it a reasonable city that offers lower housing prices, cheap public transit, and cost-effective dining experiences. 

2. World-Class Education

Montreal is the student city of North America. Some 188,000 students, including 40,000 international students from 150 countries, come annually to Montreal. 

According to QS Best Student Cities Rankings, Montreal is North America’s top student city, which considers factors like overall class satisfaction and cultural environment.

Above all, the four highly esteemed universities (McGill, Concordia, UQAM, Université de Montréal) are the most renowned educational institutions in the world, located in the city’s heart.

It gives students the advantage of exploring exciting cultures, art, music, sports, and the urban city life experience with their studies.

Montreal, in particular, attracts people who love art shows, music festivals, affordable dining options, and aesthetic bookstores and libraries. 

3. Good Nightlife 

The night is indeed young in Montreal. 

Famous for its vibrant nightlife, the city never sleeps and never stops celebrating love, life, and laughter.

Music fests like the Montreal International Jazz Festival or Just For Laughs Comedy Festival make it even more happening and convenient for residents to spare some time for fun. 

Montreal’s nightlife is endless. Explore electric nights at Foufounes Électriques. Discover Casino de Montréal, the largest Casino in Canada and the biggest hotspot for Montreal residents, where you experience games, shows, and lounges. 

4. Home for Cyclists

In Montreal, the bike-lane network separates the cycling and vehicle lanes. The separated lanes allow cycling enthusiasts to bike to work, school, or grocery runs safely. 

When Montreal’s weather warms up, biking to the parks and scenic lakes becomes the go-to summer activity for bikers. 

One of the most favorite Montreal outdoor spots for cyclists  is paddling down Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies, a vast, 261-hectare urban green space to the east of the island on their BIXI.

5. Low Crime Rates

Montreal is safe. Despite being the most popular, fast-paced, modern city, Montreal has the lowest crime rates. 

A study from Numbeo shows the intensity of risks with commonly observed crimes

5 Cons of Moving to Montreal – The Bad Side

1. Harsh Winters

Bundling up is essential for surviving Montreal’s frigid winters. Montreal is in the southeast of Canada, and the temperature in winter is freezing because of the cooling effect of the North American landmass.

Montreal’s winters last from December to February, with temperatures dipping to -30 degrees. Yet, the cold and snowy winters make skiing and ice skating popular and seasonal to-do for Montreal residents.

2. Traffic Congestion

According to the Inrix 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard, Montreal ranked 30th among over 900 cities, the most congested city.  

Road closures, traffic orange cones, and constant detours are common occurrences in Montreal.

How is the traffic situation in Montreal? 

Due to infrastructure and maintenance, Montreal commuters need help commuting even small distances. Drivers often complain about potholes, cracks, and congested lanes, demanding a smoother driving experience soon. 

However, in 2016’s federal budget, money is dedicated to fixing Canadian infrastructure over ten years, giving Montreal drivers some relief and hope.

3. Unreliable Public Transit 

The Montreal Metro (STM) usually has service delays. Sometimes, an entire subway line shuts down for hours, even during peak office hours.

In addition to subways, the city’s bus fleet is getting rusty and old. Roughly 23 percent of buses are under repair, resulting in lesser availability and more delays. 

4. Language Barrier

Living in Montreal without being bilingual can be challenging. As more people move from Toronto, Vancouver, or the U.S., the locals now understand and speak English, too. 

However, 71% of Montreal’s population speaks French. Since it is the primary language, having fluency in native speech can improve your chances of getting a job and other networking opportunities. 

5. High Taxes

Montreal’s taxes, including income, sales, and property taxes, are generally higher than in other Canadian cities. 

Fact:  Quebec is the only province in Canada where you must file two separate tax returns, i.e., a T1 and a TP1.

Quebec’s Tax Brackets as of 2023

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the city of Montreal is an absolute delight. Whether you plan a move or consider visiting it once, it is safe to conclude that you won’t regret it. It offers a diverse culture, rich heritage, popular culinary delights, and a nightlife that will amaze you.  

However, moving to Montreal has both good and bad aspects. The upsides are notable: affordable housing, education, and the city’s safety.

The downsides include biting winters, high taxes, and congestion on roads. Either way, the decision to move to Montreal solely depends on your personal choice and preference.

If you plan a relocation soon, consider Let’s Get Moving – Montreal Movers for a smooth move. 

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Live In Montreal?

The average monthly cost of living in Montreal is $1600-$1800. The Numbeo Study’s cost of living expenses gives a fair idea of your everyday expenditures.

Roughly, a monthly transit pass in Montreal will cost you $94.50. A regular pack of Milk (1 litre) costs $2.72. Bread costs around $4, and a cup of Cappuccino costs $5-6. Takeout meals from quick-serve restaurants cost around $15. 

What Is The Cost Of Moving To Montreal?

Generally, local Montreal movers will cost between $130-$150 per hour for two movers and one truck. The average cost of a local move within Montreal ranges from $550 to $2,200, depending on the property size.

Hiring the right moving company is essential, especially if you are a newcomer. 

How Much Salary Do You Need To Live In Montreal?

The Numbeo study depicts a monthly average Montreal salary of $3,796 (after taxes). It will leave $1000/month for the credit card bills, school debt, and savings you use.

The rest, $1551, goes to housing and utilities. Your phone bills can go up to $65, while transportation will cost $90.  

Additionally, other household items and groceries come close to $497. Besides necessities, your gym and fitness centers will cost you $43, daily coffee will cost up to $40, and other miscellaneous expenses will cover around $125.

Your total expenditure will be $2,771 per month or $33,252 annually. 

Is Montreal An Expensive City Compared To Toronto Or Vancouver? 

Montreal is the most cost-effective option for those living in a vibrant, diverse city with relatively affordable housing, lower transportation, food, and other entertainment costs.