Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Halifax to Montreal in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Halifax to Montreal in 2023? These two Canadian cities are both vibrant and unique, and have plenty to offer for people looking for a new place to call home.
Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, with a population of just under 400,000. It's known for its stunning harbourfront views, colourful architecture and lively music scene. When living in Halifax, you'll experience a relaxed coastal atmosphere combined with the hustle and bustle of city life.
Montreal is the second largest city in Canada, with over 1.7 million people inhabiting its metropolitan area. Its diverse culture is evident in its streets lined with cafes, markets and shops offering foods from around the world. Montreal also boasts some of Canada's best universities as well as an array of festivals throughout the year that will keep your calendar full!
Moving to Montreal from Montreal
Moving from Halifax to Montreal in 2023 can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it is important to take time to consider the five most important considerations: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons, and Best Moving Solutions. Keeping these factors in mind will help ensure a successful move!
Cost of Living
Montreal is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a wide range of opportunities for those looking for a new home. Moving from Halifax to Montreal, however, comes with different expenses depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Fortunately, the table below provides an easy comparison between the two cities to help you budget accordingly.
| Category | Montreal | Halifax |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $228 / sq ft. | $280 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $391 / sq ft. | $203 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,400/Month. | $1,196 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150-250 / Month | $150-200 / Month |
| Transportation | $83.00 / Month for a monthly pass called 'Opus card'. | $78 / Month for a Halifax Transit pass |
| Car Insurance | $750 / Year. | $800 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $300 / Month | $100 / Month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $70 / Month | $110 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-100 / Month | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 14.975% | 15% |
When it comes to living costs, Montreal is the more expensive choice between the two cities. Real estate in Montreal is higher than in Halifax, with production homes costing $228 per square foot compared to $280 in Halifax and custom-built single-family homes costing $391 per square foot compared to $203. The monthly cost of housing is also higher in Montreal at $1,400 compared to $1,196 in Halifax, but utilities and insurance tend to be slightly lower at around $150-250 for Montreal and $150-200 for Halifax. The cost of transportation is also lower in Montreal, with an 'Opus card' costing $83 a month compared to the Halifax transit pass at $78. Car insurance is slightly cheaper in Montreal at around $750 a year while entertainment costs are significantly cheaper at around only $100 a month compared to the more expensive cost in Montreal of approximately $300 a month. Groceries are also more expensive in Montreal at around $250 a month while communication services such as phone and internet are cheaper by about 40%, costing only around $70 a month compared to the cost of approximately $110 a month in Halifax. Lastly, health and fitness costs are usually lower in Montreal, ranging from about 50-100 dollars per month compared to around 50-80 for Halifax. Sales taxes are also slightly lower for people living in Montreal at 14.975% instead of 15% for those living in Halifax.
Benefits of Moving to Montreal
Moving from Halifax to Montreal brings many wonderful benefits that are simply not available in the former. The first and foremost amongst these is the cultural diversity of Montreal. A city known for its radiant array of cultures, moving here allows one to experience a much wider range of sights, sounds, languages and even cuisine than can be found in Halifax. Meanwhile, the people of Montreal are incredibly friendly and warm-hearted – providing a welcoming atmosphere no matter who you may be. Furthermore, living expenses in this city are far more affordable than that which can be found back in Halifax; meaning an overall lower cost of living for any person making the move. Not to mention its vibrant nightlife scene which creates an unforgettable experience every time you step out! Lastly, while both cities have their own unique architecture; Montreal’s streets present some truly beautiful works – creating a stunning backdrop perfect for exploration and social life alike.
Best areas to live in Montreal
Choosing a neighbourhood to live in a new city is never an easy task, Montreal especially has many different neighbourhoods that provide completely different living experiences. Although all of them offer something unique and special, it can be hard to decide which neighbourhood suits you best. With this list of the top five neighbourhoods you can make an informed decision about where to move when relocating from Halifax to Montreal in 2023.
Westmount
Westmount is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Montreal, filled with grand old homes and beautiful gardens. Located on the western side of the city, it is surrounded by some of Montreal's most iconic sites such as Mount Royal Park and the trendy Boulevard St-Laurent. From Westmount, visitors can easily reach interesting attractions such as Habitat 67 or Notre Dame Basilica within 15 minutes or less. Living in Westmount offers plenty of benefits; from being exposed to different cultures and cuisines to experiencing a relaxed yet cultured lifestyle — no doubt you'll appreciate every moment once you get there.
Outremont
Outremont is a vibrant Montreal neighbourhood boasting diverse demographics. Located north of the downtown area, Outremont borders Mile End, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie neighbourhoods. Residents can enjoy all the cultural and gastronomical delights that Montreal has to offer as well as visiting attractions like Mount Royal Park which is only 4 km away or taking the metro and being in the heart of downtown in less than 10 minutes. With its vibrant streets, green parks and excellent shops, Outremont offers a unique living experience with all urban conveniences close by.
Golden Square Mile
The Golden Square Mile neighbourhood of Montreal is known for its regal streets, impressive architecture, and vibrant cultural offerings. With Mount Royal at its centre, the Golden Square Mile is surrounded by a variety of attractions such as Old Montreal, Chinatown, and popular museums. The bustling atmosphere of downtown Montreal is within walking distance or a short subway ride away. Residents enjoy an exciting urban life enriched with all the amenities necessary for daily living and entertainment. Life in the Golden Square Mile provides an opportunity to experience city living at its finest.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a vibrant neighbourhood in Montreal, teeming with creative energy and diverse activities. Located between bustling downtown and historic Old Montreal, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal offers the convenience of city living with easy access to museums, parks and forests. With a variety of public transit options close by, the area boasts numerous attractions within walking distance such as Mount Royal Park, the bustling Jean Talon Market and Saint Joseph's Oratory. Living in Le Plateau-Mont Royal gives you access to all these amenities without sacrificing quiet residential streets where families can settle down into their homes or explore new cultural experiences. There's something for everyone here whether you are looking for an urban lifestyle or some peace and quiet - it's easy to find your place in this charming neighbourhood!
Saint-Lambert
When moving to Montreal in 2023, one of the most desirable neighbourhoods to live in is Saint-Lambert. This lively neighbourhood is nestled between Longueuil and Boucherville with quick access to the magnificent Parc Michel-Chartrand and some of Montreal's renowned restaurants just a few minutes away. The waterfront offers plenty of bike trails, panoramic views and parks all within walking distance from Saint-Lambert's bustling town center. Living in Saint-Lambert provides access to the amazing culture, diverse backgrounds and array of outdoor activities that Montreal offers. A vibrant residential area located just a few minutes from downtown Montréal, Saint-Lambert epitomizes the perfect balance between city life and nature living.
Pros
- Moving to Montreal offers a chance to experience French culture, which is dramatically different than the English-speaking culture of Halifax.
- The bustling nightlife of Montreal compared to the relatively dull one in Halifax is a major pro point for anyone considering a move from Halifax to Montreal.
- The potential for job opportunities in Montreal is vastly greater than in Halifax, making the move from Halifax to Montreal a welcome opportunity.
Cons
- Moving from Halifax to Montreal in 2023 could mean having to endure cold and harsh winters, which can be a challenge for those not accustomed to them.
- Moving from Halifax to Montreal can be a costly experience due to the high cost of living.
- Moving from Halifax to Montreal can be challenging due to the increased traffic congestion in the new city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Halifax to Montreal?
Moving house is always a challenging and tiresome process. But when you are moving across two cities, it can present an even greater task. Luckily, with the availability of reliable moving companies from Halifax to Montreal, you can rest assured that your move will go smoothly. Hercules Moving Company is one such firm that offers a variety of services for local and long-distance moves, such as packing supplies, full-service packing and unpacking, transportation of furniture and appliances etc., so regardless of the size or scope of your move there is a suitable solution available. Moreover, there are many other companies to choose from so make sure to find the right one for you by checking online reviews as well as making sure they are registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Finally remember when comparing different firms' prices that sometimes going with the cheapest option may not always be in your best interest – ensure they have sufficient insurance coverage in case something unexpected happens during transit!
Conclusion
Moving from Halifax to Montreal in 2023 is a great idea for those looking for a new home. With different factors to consider, it is important to pick the right moving company for the job. With economical housing prices and vibrant cultural life, Montreal offers plenty of benefits that are not available in Halifax. When deciding on where to live, five of the best neighbourhoods include Westmount, Outremont, Golden Square Mile, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and Saint-Lambert. One must also take into consideration all pros and cons when it comes to making such a move and choose the best moving solution accordingly. Moving from one city to another can be daunting but with proper preparation it can be an exciting adventure!
