Pros and cons of moving to Montreal

The island city of Montreal is a unique melting pot of Canadian and European cultures, with French being its official language. You may be attracted to the affordable cost of living and the city’s lively nature. Like any area though, living in Montreal does come with some drawbacks. Be that as it may, most people agree that the good far outweighs the bad.

Check out the pros and cons of living in Montreal below.

Working in Montreal

+ PRO: Strong job market

Working in Montreal means benefiting from one of the biggest economies in Canada, with a flourishing job market. Over the next decade, Montreal is expected to add more than a million vacancies in IT, healthcare, education, engineering, and even emerging sectors like aerospace and creative industries. Montreal is a key player in the life sciences and health technologies sector, contributing to medical research, pharmaceutical distribution, and healthcare services.

Job Market in Montreal

- CON: Knowledge of French is essential

While job opportunities in Montreal abound, if you have little to no knowledge of French, you may experience challenges finding work. The official language of business in Quebec is French, so fluency is essential for securing a role or running a business.

There are ways to overcome this hurdle. Many newcomers take advantage of French language courses, and organisations like YES Employment + Entrepreneurship provide support to help you integrate into the job market. You can also seek out bilingual work environments or positions in sectors where English is the primary working language.

Lifestyle in Montreal

+ PRO: Vibrant food culture

The lifestyle in Montreal is marked by a diverse food culture with heavy French influences and a wide range of cuisines. The culinary scene is a haven for gourmands. You can tour the world through your palate with everything from Italian and Asian to the Canadian favourite, poutine, available in Montreal’s many eateries.

+ PRO: Incredible arts and culture scene

Montreal is a wonderland for art, theatre and music lovers looking to take in the city’s exciting and rich cultural offerings. It is home to the Cirque du Soleil and has a thriving street art scene with over 3,500 murals brightening the urban scenery.

Indigenous cultural events, like the First Peoples’ Festival, also play a significant role in the city’s diverse artistic offerings. Contemporary art exhibitions in local galleries, as well as the dynamic music festivals throughout the year, add to the city’s vibrant cultural identity.

Shopping, Dining, Nightlife, Attractions and Activities in Montreal

- CON: Challenging weather

The climate in Montreal is probably one of the most pointed downsides to living here. Summers are pleasant and warm yet short-lived. During the winter months, the mercury often drops below zero, while snowfall and rain are common. Many residents attend winter festivals like Montréal en Lumière or engage in winter sports to make the season more bearable. Dressing in layers and making the most of the Underground Pedestrian Network can also make the colder months more comfortable.

Climate Chart and Weather in Montreal

Raising children in Montreal

+ PRO: Broad schooling options

Raising children in Montreal comes with broad schooling options. Since most public schools in Montreal are French-speaking, the city has developed a comprehensive and exceptional education system, with private and international schools largely serving English-speaking students.

Despite recent changes in legislation which affect enrolment caps and French course requirements in English-language institutions, parents still have a range of quality choices. Many schools also offer welcome classes to help children integrate into the French-speaking environment, making the transition smoother for newcomers.

Public Schools in Montreal

- CON: International schools are expensive

If your children don’t speak French, you may have to enrol them in the pricey international schools that offer instruction in English, significantly increasing your expenses. To adapt, many families take advantage of welcome classes, which are intensive French programmes designed to help children integrate smoothly into the public school system. Some families opt for bilingual private schools, which can provide a balance of both languages at a slightly lower cost than full international schools.

International Schools in Montreal

+ PRO: A range of fun activities

Thanks to Montreal’s various attractions, you will have plenty to see and do with your little ones. The city boasts a world-famous amusement park, educational museums, historical sites, and plenty of green spaces perfect for outdoor family activities. Many neighbourhoods also have community centres with activities designed for children, including arts and crafts, sports, and educational workshops.

Cost of living in Montreal

+ PRO: The city is relatively affordable

The cost of living in Montreal is relatively low for a Western metropolis. Accommodation, groceries, and eating out in the city are surprisingly quite affordable. Compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you’ll find that your money stretches a lot further here, which makes it a great choice for both families and young professionals. The availability of subsidised childcare services and affordable public transport also helps keep overall expenses manageable.

Cost of Living in Montreal

- CON: Lower salaries

While the cost of living is relatively low, you may find that salaries are slightly lower and taxes are higher compared to other provinces. On the flip side, Montreal’s residents enjoy more state benefits than in other Canadian provinces, which somewhat offsets the reduced earnings and inflated tax rates. These benefits include extensive public healthcare, subsidised childcare, and various social services. The solidarity tax credit also assists low- and middle-income households, making the higher tax burden a little easier to manage.

Accommodation in Montreal

+ PRO: Great selection of neighbourhoods

Accommodation in Montreal offers a great selection of neighbourhoods. Montreal’s sprawling nature means you can choose from a wide range of areas and suburbs, each with its own atmosphere and unique amenities. Homes outside the city centre are also reasonably priced, so you will definitely find something suited to your budget and lifestyle.

- CON: Limited accessibility in remote areas

While central Montreal has excellent accessibility to healthcare facilities and amenities, more remote areas may experience limited access to essential services. This can pose challenges, particularly for families and seniors who rely on nearby services and public transport. It’s an important consideration when deciding where to live, especially if convenience is a top priority.

Neighbourhoods in Montreal

Getting around in Montreal

+ PRO: Efficient and heated public transport

Getting around in Montreal is made easy by the highly regarded Montreal Metro, which is renowned for its architecture, art, and heated Underground Pedestrian Network. Often featured on lists of the best public transit systems in the world, the city has an integrated travel pass for accessing all modes of public transport across Greater Montreal.

The BIXI bike-sharing system is also a popular option during warmer months, adding to the convenience of commuting. The emphasis on public transport means you can easily get by without owning a car, saving money and hassle.

- CON: Traffic congestion

If you live off the Island of Montreal, you will have to contend with terrible traffic conditions and long commutes, especially during peak times. Montreal has been working on solutions like smart traffic signal timing to reduce delays. 

Investing in a reliable navigation app or considering flexible work hours can help alleviate some of the frustration of the city’s traffic woes. Some residents also find it beneficial to use the extensive network of park-and-ride facilities combined with public transport to ease their commute.

Public Transit and Driving in Montreal

Healthcare in Montreal

+ PRO: Publicly funded healthcare

Healthcare in Montreal is publicly funded, meaning that if you live in Quebec, except on a short-term employer-specific work visa, you qualify for government-subsidised health insurance. This coverage gives you access to first-rate healthcare practitioners and facilities at no cost or relatively low prices. While wait times can be a challenge for some non-urgent procedures, the quality of care remains high, and many residents also choose to supplement with private insurance for faster access.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Montreal