Moving to Montreal

Located at the confluence of the St Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers in the southwest of Quebec province, Montreal is a microcosm of Canada while encapsulating a charming French atmosphere. If you’re moving to Canada’s second-most populous city, you’ll enjoy a gentle cost of living and a vibrant lifestyle. Add to that thriving social development programmes, and it’s easy to see why many people take the plunge and relocate to the city.

Living in Montreal as an expat

Montreal is one of Canada's most culturally rich cities. Historic architecture, cobblestone streets, a long-standing tradition of jazz and rock music, and countless distinguished theatre, music, and art performance centres are all part of the city’s powerful allure. Despite recent challenges such as rising property values and the impacts of the pandemic, Montreal still hosts vibrant festivals like the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, which draw visitors from around the world. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Canada’s largest art museum, is another cultural highlight.

As is the case in most Canadian cities, sports and outdoor activities are an important part of the lifestyle in Montreal. With an abundance of green spaces and ice rinks, entertainment is always available regardless of the weather. You’ll be happy to know that the nightlife in Montreal is one of the best in Canada, with a wide variety to suit all preferences, from student bars to jazz clubs and European-style nightclubs.

Lifestyle in Montreal

Being a Francophone city, everyday life in Montreal can prove tricky if you don’t speak French. It’s not to say that non-French speakers can’t get by at all, but there may be limitations in terms of your work opportunities and social life. In fact, to immigrate and legally work in Montreal, you must pass provincial requirements, which include French language proficiency.

Montreal’s economy is one of the biggest in Canada. If you’re skilled, you’ll be able to find opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, engineering, and creative industries, where demand remains strong. Jobs in software development, healthcare, and aerospace are particularly in high demand.

Work Opportunities in Montreal
Healthcare in Montreal

The good news for commuters is that the city’s public transport system is warm, efficient, and extensive. It links some of Montreal’s far-flung areas and suburbs with its central backbone, making car ownership largely unnecessary.

Public Transport in Montreal
Neighbourhoods in Montreal

Cost of living in Montreal

The cost of living in Montreal is fairly modest. Accommodation in the metropolis is generally more affordable and easier to find than in major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Recent rental trends show that prices have slightly decreased, which contrasts with the rising costs in cities like Toronto. Eating out and groceries are also relatively affordable. Education is a big expense you may have to budget for, as many parents choose English-medium international or non-subsidised private schools for their children, and these certainly don’t come cheap.

Cost of Living in Montreal
Accommodation and Utilities in Montreal

Expat families and children in Montreal

Public schools in Montreal are free to attend for all citizens and residents on permanent residence and work visas, though, as mentioned, most public schools in the city are French-speaking, and many expat parents choose to enrol their children in one of the city’s international or private schools. Quebec provides subsidies to many private schools, which helps reduce tuition fees, but competition for places can be stiff, particularly for younger grades.

Schools and Education in Montreal
International and Private Schools in Montreal

Montreal also boasts exciting theme parks, museums, and cultural attractions for the whole family to enjoy during their leisure time. The city’s parks and walking and jogging routes, such as Mont Royal and Parc La Fontaine, are lovely spots for the children to experience the great outdoors.

Climate in Montreal

A downside to living in Montreal is the frigid winters. Summers can be hot, humid, and generally pleasant, but from December to March, temperatures dip well below freezing, with snow, sleet, rain, and ice occurring regularly. To make the winter months more bearable, ensure you dress in layers, wear thermal clothing, and winterise your home properly. Extreme climate events, such as ice storms or unusual winter heatwaves, have also been more frequent in recent years.

Climate in Montreal

Overall, if you’re moving to Montreal, you may find that the distinctly Québécois brand takes time to get used to. Once you do, though, you can look forward to a rewarding life in one of Canada’s most culturally rich regions.