Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Montreal to Calgary in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Montreal to Calgary in 2023? Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its rich history, culture and vibrant nightlife. It has a population of around 1.7 million people and attracts millions of tourists each year with its unique attractions such as Mont Royal Park, Old Montreal and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Being there is an unforgettable experience that no one should miss out on!
On the other hand, Calgary is Alberta's most populous city and home to over 1.2 million people. This cosmopolitan city offers plenty of outdoor activities for all ages - from skiing in the Rocky Mountains to kayaking down the Bow River - as well as some of Canada's best restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues. Plus, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, you're guaranteed warm weather anytime you come here!
Moving to Calgary from Calgary
Making a move to another city can be a big undertaking, but with the right resources and guidance it can be an exciting adventure. There are many factors to consider when moving from Montreal to Calgary in 2023, however we have narrowed it down to the five that are most important - cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons, and best moving solutions. Read on for more information about each of these considerations.
Cost of Living
Calgary is one of the largest cities in Canada and living there comes with its own expenses. Depending on your lifestyle, those expenses may vary significantly from other places, so it can be helpful to have an overview of what you might expect to pay. Below is a comparison between living costs in Montreal and Calgary for a better understanding.
| Category | Calgary | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $208 / sq ft. | $285 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $406/sq ft. | $360/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,200 / Month. | $1,400 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $188 / Month | $120-$200 / Month |
| Transportation | $109 / Month (Monthly Pass for Public Transit) | $86.50/Month for an OPUS card, which provides unlimited access to the public transportation system including buses and metro. |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year | $700 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $250 / Month. | $120 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 per Month. | $120 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% / Year | 14.975% |
Moving to Calgary from Montreal is a great way to save money. Real estate prices are significantly lower in Calgary, with production homes costing $77/sq ft. less and custom-built single-family homes costing $46/sq ft. less than in Montreal. Furthermore, monthly housing costs in Calgary are $200 cheaper than in Montreal, while utilities and insurance costs are significantly lower as well. Transportation costs are also more economical in Calgary, with the monthly pass for public transit costing 23% less than an OPUS card for the public transportation system in Montreal. Car insurance is also cheaper, with a yearly rate of $432 less than what it is in Montreal. Shopping for entertainment is much cheaper too, as it costs about 50% less in Calgary than it does in Montreal. Grocery shopping will only cost about 20% more for 1 person, which is still quite economical compared to other cities, and monthly phone and internet bills are the same price. Health and fitness activities cost 10%-50% less per month depending on activity type, while sales taxes are much lower at 5% compared to 14.975%.
Benefits of Moving to Calgary
When moving from Montreal to Calgary, one of the greatest benefits is the change in weather. While Montreal experiences grey and cold days during most of winter, Calgary is known for its sunny and milder climate all year round. Moreover, while Montreal might have harsh winter season with a lot of snowfalls, Calgary on the other hand has much milder winters.
The strong economy in the city of Calgary is also another great benefit that sways many people to move there. Meanwhile, unemployment rate in this region is very low due to expanding job opportunities and abundance in resources that brought investments from all around Canada. In contrast, Montreal's economy has not been as prosperous as Calgary's over recent years which drives away talent. Lastly, outdoor activities like mountain hikes or skiing are easily accessible from this city where you can enjoy a better quality life with nature around you - something that you wouldn't be able to find easily in a metropolitan area like Montreal.
Best areas to live in Calgary
Choosing the best neighbourhood to live in Calgary can be a challenging task. This is primarily due to the city's diverse character and its wide array of attractions, which make it difficult for newcomers to identify their preferred area. Here's a list of the five best areas in Calgary that will make relocation easier and give you an idea of what each has to offer.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is an affluent neighbourhood located in northwest Calgary. The area is bordered by 14th Street W to the east, 32nd Avenue N to the north, Crowchild Trail to the south and Shaganappi Trail to the west. The nearby attractions include Confederation Park, Foothills Hospital, Canada Olympic Park and University of Calgary. You can visit popular spots such as Eau Claire Market and Kensington in just a few minutes via car or public transport. Living in Mount Royal offers plenty of advantages - peaceful parks, beautiful views over Point McKay wetlands and easy access to downtown activities. Enjoy all that Calgary has to offer while residing in one of its most family-friendly neighbourhoods!
Eagle Ridge
Moving to Calgary's Eagle Ridge neighborhood can offer an adventurous lifestyle. With many outdoor activities, nearby nature trails, and stunning mountain views, living in Eagle Ridge can be a truly unique experience. The area is conveniently located just 10 minutes from downtown Calgary and 15 minutes from the majestic Rocky Mountains. From indoor to outdoor entertainment options - with the peace of small-town living - Eagle Ridge is a great place for anyone who loves nature and wants to embrace a relaxed lifestyle. Living in Eagle Ridge offers breathtaking views, close proximity to attractions and easy access to city life all while being surrounded by some of Canada's most beautiful landscapes.
Elbow Park
Moving to Elbow Park in Calgary is a great choice for anyone looking for an up-and-coming neighbourhood. Located just minutes from the city centre, Elbow Park is known for its unique mix of heritage homes and contemporary new builds. Enjoy a morning walk around Stanley Park to the west or take in views of the Calgary skyline just south of you. The quick drive or public transit ride to nearby attractions make it easy to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. With so much culture and style within reach, living in Elbow Park is sure to give you an unparalleled experience of what life in Calgary has to offer.
Britannia
Britannia, located in the Northwest of Calgary, is a diverse neighbourhood with around 3000 people living in it. The area borders the famous Nose Hill Park, providing ample outdoor activities for locals and visitors alike. Britannia is only 10 minutes away from downtown Calgary and an even shorter distance to several shopping centres and restaurants. Residents will enjoy peace of mind and convenience with all the amenities at close hand while being surrounded by nature.
Aspen Woods
Aspen Woods is a vibrant neighbourhood of Calgary that has grown in popularity over recent years. It's surrounded by parks and hiking trails, and only a short drive away from the Rocky Mountains and downtown Calgary. Living in Aspen Woods means you're never far from shopping, dining, entertainment, or recreation - all within reasonable driving distances. Whether you're looking for an active lifestyle or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, life in Aspen Woods is sure to provide everything you need for an enjoyable experience.
Pros
- The warm climate in Calgary compared to Montreal can be a refreshing respite from the cold winters.
- The taxes in Calgary are significantly more reduced when compared to Montreal, making the move a cost-effective decision.
- The faster job growth in Calgary compared to Montreal makes it an attractive destination for relocating.
Cons
- Moving from Montreal to Calgary can prove to be expensive due to the higher cost of living in the latter.
- Moving from Montreal to Calgary means having to adjust to a less diverse culture.
- Moving from Montreal to Calgary can make one feel more isolated from other major cities.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Montreal to Calgary?
Moving from Montreal to Calgary can be a tricky process. Professional moving services provide multiple solutions to make the transition smoother, such as packing goods into cartons, disassembling furniture, shipping and storage solutions. Hercules Moving Company is one of the most reliable and efficient companies to move belongings with ease. Meanwhile, there are many other moving companies that offer additional services according to individual needs at affordable prices. Moreover, it's important to remember that checking reputation of ones chosen company on forums and verifying its registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) is essential before taking any further steps in order guarantee a stress-free move.
Conclusion
Moving to Calgary from Montreal is an exciting adventure, and choosing the right moving company can make all the difference. With significantly lower real estate and housing costs, a strong economy, milder weather and abundant outdoor activities, Calgary provides an excellent quality of life to its residents. With so many great neighbourhoods to choose from - including Mount Royal, Eagle Ridge, Elbow Park, Britannia and Aspen Woods - it's possible to find the perfect place that fits individual needs. Professional moving services such as Hercules Moving Company can make relocating stress-free while other companies offer additional services according to specific needs. With all these factors in mind, anyone considering a move from Montreal to Calgary should be equipped with all the necessary information for a smooth transition.
