Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Montreal to Charlottetown in 2023
Have you ever considered making a big move across Canada? In 2023, if you are thinking of relocating from Montreal to Charlottetown, there is no better way than to be prepared.
Montreal is a vibrant and multicultural city with a population of over 4 million people. It's the second largest city in Canada and is known for its lively nightlife, rich culture, and world-class festivals. When visiting Montreal, one can feel the pulse of history that still lingers in its streets and alleyways as well as admire the stunning skyline from Mount Royal Park.
Charlottetown is an island province located off the east coast of Canada with a population just over 150 thousand people. It's known for its breathtaking coastline views and serene rural landscape which make it an ideal getaway destination. With its unique blend of historic sites, art galleries, lighthouses, rolling hillsides and quaint villages – Charlottetown offers something special for everyone!
Relocating from Montreal to Charlottetown
Relocating from Montreal to Charlottetown can happen soon in 2023 and it's essential to know and consider various factors. Nevertheless, we have identified the top 5 most important moving considerations when making this big transition: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions. Keep reading for further advice for your relocation.
Cost of Living
Moving from Montreal to Charlottetown in 2023 can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you are unaware of the cost of living differences between the two cities. The following table provides a comparison of costs to help you plan for your relocation and determine if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
| Category | Charlottetown | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $200/sq ft. | $182 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $220/sq ft. | $310 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $900 / Month. | $1,200 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $300 / Month. | $150-250 / Month |
| Transportation | $58 / Month for a monthly adult transit pass. | $86.50/month for an OPUS card, which provides unlimited access to the city's bus and metro system. |
| Car Insurance | $800-$1,200 / Year. | $1,043 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150/month. | $300 / Month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $250 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $87 / Month | $70 / month |
| Health and Fitness | $60 / Month | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 15\% | 15% / Year |
People moving to Charlottetown from Montreal can expect to pay significantly less for real estate and housing costs. Production home prices are $200/sq ft., while custom-built single-family homes cost $220/sq ft., compared to Montreal's $182/sq ft and $310/sq ft respectively. Additionally, rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is around $900/month in Charlottetown, about 25% cheaper than Montreal's rate of $1,200/month. Utilities and insurance for a 1 bedroom apartment cost around $200-300/month in Charlottetown, compared to $150-250/month in Montreal. Transportation costs are also more affordable in Charlottetown, with monthly adult transit passes costing about $58 compared to the OPUS card's unlimited access to the city's bus and metro system costing an estimated $86.50/month in Montreal. Car insurance costs approximately $800-$1,200 per year in Charlottetown compared to an estimated rate of $1,043 per year in Montreal. Entertainment expenses are also lower in Charlottetown at an estimated cost of around $150 per month as opposed to the estimated rate of roughly $300 per month in Montreal. Grocery expenses are similarly cheaper in Charlottetown at an estimated rate of approximately $400 per month compared to the estimate of just under or over$250 per month in Montreal. Finally, communication expenses (phone and internet) are significantly lower at an estimated rate of around$87 per month compared to Montreal's estimated rate of just under or over$70 per month. Both cities impose sales taxes of 15%.
Benefits of Moving to Charlottetown
Moving to Charlottetown grants you access to many perks that Montreal simply can’t offer. There are far more natural surroundings, making it a great spot for enjoying outdoor activities. Those looking for a more unique culture won’t be disappointed as the town is full of lively charm. Moreover, Charlottetown also has much better job opportunities and economical stability compared to the big city Montreal. Meanwhile, living in this small community offers more accessible amenities and welcoming locals.
Best areas to live in Charlottetown
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Charlottetown can be a challenge for many. From bustling city life to quiet suburbs, there is so much to consider when moving to a new city. That's why we have created this list of the best neighbourhoods in Charlottetown to help make the decision easier.
Brighton
Brighton, Charlottetown's largest neighbourhood, has over 10,000 residents. Surrounding Brighton is a mix of parks and urban amenities like cafés and shops. Its close proximity to downtown makes it easy to access all forms of public transportation in addition to numerous attractions like scenic trails and beaches. Perfect for people who love the hustle and bustle of city life combined with nature's beauty, living here will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy both worlds.
Spring Park
The Spring Park neighbourhood in Charlottetown is a highly sought-after residential area, popular for its tree-lined streets and wide array of recreational spaces. It’s located close to the downtown core, within walking distance of many restaurants, stores, and other attractions. The neighbourhood is also home to some of the city's best parks and nature trails. There are plenty of amenities available within short distances; including schools, grocery stores and public transit options. Living in Spring Park offers a wonderful balance between peaceful suburban living and easy access to an urban lifestyle.
Queens Square
Queens Square is a vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island. Queens Square is surrounded by historical sites such as St. Paul's Church and Province House, restaurants and breweries such as Upstreet Craft Brewing and pubs like The Factory Cookhouse & Dancehall. From Queens Square it's only a short 5-minute drive to both Victoria Park and the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Living in Queens Square will be an enjoyable experience for anyone looking for an energetic urban lifestyle filled with cultural attractions, plenty of dining options, unique shops and entertainment venues to explore.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is a vibrant and up-and-coming neighbourhood in Charlottetown, known for its affordable housing, diverse population, ample nightlife options and close proximity to the downtown area. It has all the hustle and bustle of an urban centre within easy reach of some of the city's most beautiful parks and beaches. Living in Fitzroy means you're never too far from attractions like theatres, shopping centres or art galleries. The neighbourhood also boasts excellent public transit connections so you can easily get around town. Living in Fitzroy is an ideal way to experience Charlottetown's vibrant culture with great amenities at your doorstep!
Rochford Square
Rochford Square is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Charlottetown, filled with historical, Victorian homes. The neighbourhood is home to several parks and green spaces like Victoria Park, making this a great spot for those who enjoy nature. For those looking for more entertainment, the Charlottetown Mall is just a short drive away from Rochford Square, as well as Confederation Court Mall and Beaconsfield Historic House. Residents can also take advantage of being close to The Guild Theater and Confederation Centre of Arts. Living in Rochford Square will provide a peaceful atmosphere while still having all the amenities within reach when needed.
Pros
- The lower cost of living in Charlottetown compared to Montreal makes it a desirable destination for those looking to relocate.
- Living in Charlottetown offers a higher quality of life that is simply unavailable in Montreal.
- Charlottetown's proximity to nature makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace a tranquil lifestyle.
Cons
- When planning to move from Montreal to Charlottetown, the limited job opportunities in Charlottetown can be a considerable disadvantage compared to those in Montreal.
- Charlottetown lacks the cultural diversity of Montreal, making it an isolating experience for those who move there.
- The long winters in Charlottetown can be a major disadvantage compared to the milder weather in Montreal.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Montreal to Charlottetown?
Moving from Montreal to Charlottetown can be a daunting task, but finding the right moving solution with an experienced and reliable moving company can take much of the stress away. With so many options out there and different services offered by each company, it's important to know what you'll need and how much it will cost before you move. Hercules Moving Company is a great choice as they offer customizable packages that fit any budget and provide a full service experience. In addition, their experienced staff works with customers to coordinate all aspects of their relocation - including packing, loading/unloading, storage and more.
Meanwhile, it's also important to remember to check online reviews of the company in question or ask friends who may have used them previously for their opinion on their experience. It's also smart to ensure that any Montreal-to-Charlottetown mover is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) - Canada’s official national body for professional movers committed to excellence in customer service standards – before hiring them for your move.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Charlottetown from Montreal in 2023 is an exciting move with many benefits. It offers lower costs for housing and other essential expenses, access to natural surroundings, job opportunities and economical stability. With several diverse neighbourhoods to choose from, it is important to consider factors like cost of living and amenities before selecting the perfect area. Luckily, experienced moving companies such as Hercules Moving Company can help make the transition easier with services ranging from packing to loading/unloading.
