Around 44,600 Americans live in the second most populated metropolis in Canada, famous for its affordability, as well as vast employment, education, and entertainment opportunities. However, before packing up your bags, calculate the cost of living in Montreal, and see just how much money you need to stay there. After considering expenses like housing, groceries, utilities, you can hire an international moving company and swiftly become a Montrealer.
Moving to Montreal will put you in a very friendly area with a stable economy and globally recognized universities. That’s why you should go over our expat guide that answers questions like Is it expensive to live in Montreal?, What is the average salary in Montreal? and Is Montreal a good place to live?
What Are the Things You Need to Know Before Moving Internationally to MTL
Relocation can be stressful, and tackling it on your own is one of the most common moving mistakes. If you want everything to run smoothly, hire an overseas moving company to help you. While professionals are worrying about your international moving to Montreal, research your future home because there are some things you should know before settling in MTL:
- MTL is the second-most populous city in Canada.
- It is located in the Canadian province of Quebec.
- French is the official language in the metropolis so think about breaking the language barrier when relocating.
- It is 60 miles from the US border.
Can USD Be Used in Canada
When figuring out how to move to another country, you should probably think about all the ways you can pay while there. Relocating to CA means you have to exchange USD for CAD. Even though you can probably pay in some stores using the American dollar, it is more efficient to exchange it for a Canadian one.
How Does the Cost of Living in Montreal Canada Compare to Other Cities
CA is one of the best places to live abroad because it has plenty of different cities to offer. If you are still on the fences about where you are going to relocate, compare the places, and you will easily figure out which one is the best for you. That is the best way to answer the question: Is it expensive to live in Montreal?
Are you considering relocating to Toronto because it is the biggest city in the country? Those who opt for living in Toronto will be expected to pay more for utilities and housing. On the other hand, those who think that living in Vancouver is for them should know that the metropolis is more expensive than MTL when it comes to education and rent. Furthermore, if Ottawa, as one of the best places to live in Ontario, is tempting to you, expect to pay more for transportation, dining out, and utilities there.
How Much Are Utilities Every Month
No matter if you are relocating across the world or just to neighborly CA, you will still have to pay utilities every month. Settling in MTL means you will be expected to pay around $75 monthly for basic utilities such as heating, cooling, garbage, water, and electricity.
Furthermore, if you want to have unlimited internet data, you should count on paying an additional $50. In the first few weeks of settling in, you might wonder how to keep in touch with friends and family – just get a prepaid mobile tariff that costs around $0.30 per minute, and later you can get a plan with a discount.
How Much Money Will You Need for Groceries
You might not be moving overseas, but still, the prices of food in CA will be a bit different than those you are used to in the US. There will be plenty of stores with organic food, but also local supermarkets where you can get groceries and stay on a budget. StatCan data shows that households spend $5,800 a year on groceries or around $480 a month. However, this will vary depending on your willingness to cook or desire to dine out.
How Does Dining Out Affect the Cost of Living in MTL
Figuring out how to live in another country won’t be hard if you accept local customs, for example, becoming a true Canadian means you should embrace dining out culture. According to data from StatCan, around 54% of people here eat out at least once every week, so spending some cash in restaurants is kind of expected. Even though MTL is not one of the best vegan cities in the world, it still has a rich offer of eateries that can satisfy all the foodies. Numbeo shows that you can spend around $11 on an inexpensive dinner, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be approximately $52.
How Does the Housing Affect Montreal Cost of Living
When moving to Canada, you should put house hunting as your top priority. Are you thinking about renting or buying a place? Those settling in MTL and buying a home should expect to pay, on average, $250 for a square foot. However, those that opt for renting should know that monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $640, while three-bedroom places can be found for $1,100. Like everywhere else, prices can vary depending on the neighborhood you opt for.
Where Can You Find the Most Affordable Housing Options in the City
Relocating on a budget can get tricky, if you want to save up, consider renting in some of the more affordable areas in MTL, according to the website Zumper:
- Cartierville, where you will pay $855 a month.
- Louis-Hébert will set you back for $800
- Vieux-Rosemont will knock $750 out of your pocket.
What Are the Most High-End Neighborhoods in MTL
If the money is not a problem at all and you can look into high-end areas, check out neighborhoods like:
- Parc-Extension where rent is approximately $1,675.
- Le Sud-Ouest will set you back for $1,600 monthly.
- Ville-Marie is a spot where you are expected to pay $1,555.
What Are the Education Expenses in MTL
MTL is one of the best places to live with family, and that can be seen through a variety of educational opportunities newcomers have. While you are gathering all the necessary documents to travel abroad, take a look at Quebec’s education system because it is a bit different from the rest of the country. Here your kids will attend CEGEP that comes between high school and university.
Those with kids in primary schools should expect to pay, on average, $6,460 a year for their education. Additionally, parents can enroll toddlers in private full-day preschool or kindergarten for $510 a month.
What Are the Most Affordable Universities in the Metropolis
If you are not relocating for love but in pursuit of knowledge, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of colleges and universities within the city limits. Some are for French speakers, and attending them might be useful for you while learning a language abroad. Furthermore, since the relocation can get pricey, those on a tight budget should check out:
- Dawson College, where international tuition fees are around $15,750.
- Vanier College, where you will be expected to pay $12,750 for tuition.
- Université du Québec à Montréal where international students pay $20,000.
What Are Other Everyday Life Costs You Have to Think About
You are relocating to a metropolis filled with different opportunities and activities. To avoid dipping into savings and still experience the best of what MTL has to offer, there are some everyday life costs you should consider. Keep in mind that they will vary depending on your lifestyle and interests.
How Much Money You Will Need for Transportation Every Month
Have you opted for vehicle shipping overseas service that relocation companies offer? If so, driving should be included in the monthly budget, and according to Numbeo, a gallon of gas is around $3.40. However, if you don’t want to worry about international car shipping, you can always use public transportation. You’ll have buses and metro at your disposal, and a monthly pass will knock $65 out of your wallet.
What Are the Overall Expenses of Healthcare in MTL
No matter where you stay, health should be the top priority. Luckily, universal healthcare in CA means that all residents receive low-cost medical care. Website Expatistan shows that a short visit to a private doctor is around $80, while the box of antibiotics is approximately $11. If you need to buy cold medicine like Coldrex or Tylenol, expect to pay $8.
How Much Does the Average Montrealer Spend on Entertainment Monthly
This is one of the friendliest countries in the world, meaning there are plenty of places to partake in group activities and make friends. For example, two movie tickets are around $20, while the two best available theater seats will cost you $110. Those enjoying workouts will pay around $38 for a gym membership and approximately $15 for renting a tennis court.
What Is the Average Salary in Montreal
Have you decided to relocate alone in pursuit of a dream job? That’s why MTL, as the second-largest economy in CA based on GDP, sounds like a great place to settle in. The metropolis is one of the most important commerce, tech, culture, and finance centers of the country, so landing desired employment shouldn’t be that complicated.
While an overseas shipping company is providing you with moving services as well as packing ones, use the free time to take all the steps for acquiring a work visa and applying for a position in one of many companies. However, before accepting any offers, you should know the average salary in MTL so that you can see if you’ll make enough money.
According to the job site neuvoo yearly earnings in the metropolis are $45,825. This also means that a person earns around $3,820 a month and approximately $880 every week. Keep in mind that salaries will vary depending on the entry-level.
What Is Considered a Good Salary in Montreal
A good salary will cover all of your monthly expenses and leave you with enough money to put in a savings account. Depending on your lifestyle, needs, and desires, that amount will vary. Data from a survey conducted by marketing company Leger found that Canadians think they need around $144,000 for a more comfortable life.
What Are the Top-Paying Jobs In MTL
When moving internationally to MTL, you might need to apply some tips for learning a new language and master French, but it will all be worth it in the end when you land a top-paying job.
According to research done by Indeed, almost 18% of all Canadian tech jobs are located here, and they are amongst the best-paid ones:
- Software Architecture where a yearly paycheck is around $105,070.
- Financial Consulting with an annual salary of $97,500.
- Javascript Development with earnings of $93,600.
When you lock down a position, don’t forget that there are many relocation questions to ask an employer before you start working. For example, ask if they are willing to cover a part of the relocation expenses and how they will help you adjust to a new country.
What Are the Overall Expenses of Moving Abroad to CA
Relocating from one country to another can be a tiresome task, if you want to avoid getting stressed, consider hiring professionals to assist you. This way, the only thing you will have to worry about is what to pack, but not how to box it up and prepare it for shipping. Professionals will take care of everything instead of you. After all, they know how to pack shoes and even how to box up jewelry for the move. However, their help comes with a price. According to the website WorldFreightRates, a move from New York to MTL is around $470, while shipping from Los Angeles can come up to $2,750.
Is Montreal a Good Place to Live
When all the research is done, you will be able to tell just how much your life will change when relocating to CA, especially to MTL. This is a metropolis filled with different employment, entertainment, and educational opportunities for everyone. All of this and it is a very budget-friendly spot with high yearly salaries. That’s why no matter what you are looking for, you will surely find it in the biggest Quebec city. Don’t hesitate to relocate and become a true Montrealer, it will pay off in the long run.
