Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Montreal to Toronto in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to move from Montreal to Toronto in 2023? Both cities are bustling with life and have plenty of unique attractions, but they also offer different experiences.
Montreal, the largest city in Quebec and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, is renowned for its European flair. With a population of 1.7 million people and an area of 482 km2, this vibrant city is home to some of Canada's most iconic landmarks including Mount Royal Park, Old Montreal and Notre Dame Basilica. Visitors can experience a vibrant culture filled with art galleries, museums and festivals that make it one of the most exciting places in North America to explore.
Toronto is an economic powerhouse located on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore with a population of 2.7 million people spread over 630km2. It has become one of Canada's top tourist destinations due to its diverse cultural landscape which hosts numerous theatres, art galleries and music venues as well as lush green spaces such as High Park or Scarborough Bluffs Park - perfect for picnicking on warm summer days! Toronto also offers plenty of interesting activities such as taking a ferry ride along Toronto Harbour or visiting iconic architectural wonders like CN Tower or Rogers Centre Stadium.
Relocating to Toronto from Montreal
Moving to a new city can be intimidating and there's a lot of preparation involved. But when it comes to relocating from Montreal to Toronto in 2023, we've collected the 5 most important considerations that you should account for. From cost of living to the best moving solutions, getting informed about these key factors is essential for making the transition as smoothly as possible.
Cost of Living
Comparing the two largest cities in Canada, Toronto and Montreal can seem daunting. From the cost of living to culture, there's a lot to consider when deciding to move between these cities. Living expenses will vary depending on each individual's lifestyle, and this is clearly visible when looking at a comparison table like the one below.
| Category | Toronto | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $385 / sq ft. | $222 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $1,092/sq ft. | $450 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $2,300 / Month | $1,500 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $175 / Month. | $150-$200 / Month. |
| Transportation | $156 / month for a Monthly Pass with the local transit agency. | $86.50 / Month (OPUS Card) |
| Car Insurance | $1500 / Year. | $708 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $300 / month | $170 / month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $400 / Month | $400 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $80 / Month | $85 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | $50/month |
| Sales Taxes | 13\% | $9.975\% Sales Taxes. |
Moving to Toronto from Montreal can be expensive. The real estate in Toronto is more costly than Montreal, with production homes coming at $385 per square foot compared to $222 in Montreal. Custom-built single-family homes in Toronto cost $1,092 per square foot, while they cost $450 in Montreal. The cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment is also higher in Toronto ($2,300/month) compared to Montreal ($1,500/month), as well as the cost of utilities and insurance ($175/month vs. $150-$200/month). Getting around is also more expensive in Toronto – a monthly pass with the local transit agency costs $156 compared to the OPUS Card's $86.50/month in Montreal. Car insurance is higher too, costing around $1500 per year in Toronto versus just over half that amount ($708) in Montreal. Entertainment is pricier too, costing around $300/month as opposed to $170/month in Montreal. Grocery costs are approximately equal (around $400/month), and communication (phone and internet) is only slightly cheaper in Montreal (at 85$/month). Finally, health and fitness costs are about the same in both cities (around 50$/ month). The sales tax rate is 13% higher for Toronto than for Montreal's 9.975%.
Benefits of Moving to Toronto
The bustling city of Toronto offers a host of benefits that can be hard to come by elsewhere. Home to a diverse population, the city boasts an array of job opportunities, quality education, and abundant green spaces. Moreover, the cultural life in Toronto is vibrant and full of events - like festivals and exhibitions - which aren't available in Montreal. Meanwhile, Toronto also offers a stunning range of cultural attractions that make it a great destination for those seeking diverse experiences. With its picturesque views and wide variety of activities on offer, Toronto is an ideal place for anyone looking for more out of their relocation experience.
Best areas to live in Toronto
Exploring the many neighbourhoods in Toronto can be a challenging task. With so many vibrant communities to choose from, it's difficult to decide which one is best-suited for you and your family. From trendy downtown condos to secluded suburban homes, the options are plentiful - each with its own unique character and appeal. To make things easier, below you will find a list of some of the top neighbourhoods in Toronto worth considering if you're planning on moving here in 2023.
Forest Hill
Located in the north-central part of Toronto, Forest Hill is a vibrant neighbourhood. With its red-bricked homes and tree-lined streets, it is one of the city's most desirable residential areas. It has easy access to great places like Casa Loma and Yorkville, both within a short drive or transit ride away. It is also home to some respected schools, fine restaurants and sophisticated stores. Living in Forest Hill means being close to all the amenities that make life easier while enjoying all of Toronto's attractions at your fingertips. From bike paths around High Park to shopping along Avenue Road, living in Forest Hill offers an urban lifestyle with natural beauty nearby – perfect for anyone looking for comfort as they move from Montreal to Toronto!
Rosedale
Rosedale is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Toronto, known for its grand homes, leafy parks and gardens, and stunning views. It's an affluent area with plenty of luxury amenities such as fine dining establishments, high-end shopping centers, and exclusive golf courses. The nearby Yonge Street Subway line makes it easy to get around the city quickly. Living in Rosedale offers residents a unique urban lifestyle with all the conveniences of city living combined with the serenity of suburban life. With its beautiful streetscapes, close proximity to entertainment districts and cultural attractions like The Royal Ontario Museum or Casa Loma castle, Rosedale is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the best Toronto has to offer.
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is a leafy, affluent neighbourhood located in the heart of midtown Toronto. It's surrounded by dense forests and trails, making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts. With nearby attractions such as the Cedarvale Ravine, Sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens, there are plenty of things to explore around Lawrence Park. It also boasts excellent transit connections to downtown Toronto - with only a 25-minute commute - providing easy access to world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Living in Lawrence Park means experiencing an eclectic mix of activities throughout the year. From unique festivals to living amongst some of Canada's most prestigious schools and universities, this charming neighbourhood offers something for everyone!
Yorkville
The iconic neighbourhood of Yorkville is home to Toronto's affluent and a cultural centre for the city. It is surrounded by lovely parks, luxurious shopping sites, restaurants and pubs. From here, many attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma are just a few minutes away; while convenient transports such as buses and streetcars that allow access to downtown Toronto in less than 15 minutes. Being in Yorkville means living a high-class lifestyle with all its conveniences within reach.
The Bridle Path
The Bridle Path
The Bridle Path is known for its large mansion-style homes, many of which are among the most expensive in Canada. Surrounding the neighbourhood are lush forests and clear streams, perfect for a long and peaceful walk. The area is also home to some of Toronto's top attractions, with The Ontario Science Centre just a 15 minute drive away and nearby neighbourhoods such as North York just a short 10 minute trip by car. Moving to The Bridle Path offers an exciting urban living experience filled with luxury amenities, close proximity to Toronto's entertainment hubs and scenic natural views.
Pros
- The move to Toronto in 2023 offers a great opportunity for job seekers, with its larger population and larger businesses providing a range of employment opportunities.
- The pro point when moving from Montreal to Toronto is that it is a larger city, offering an array of cultural activities, amenities, and job opportunities.
- The cultural diversity found in Toronto is significantly greater than that of Montreal, with a wide range of cultures and backgrounds for visitors to explore.
Cons
- Moving to Toronto from Montreal in 2023 can be a costly affair as the city has a higher cost of living than its counterpart.
- Toronto is a bustling and congested city compared to the calmer vibrancy of Montreal.
- In comparison to Montreal's relatively temperate climate, Toronto suffers from a much colder climate.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Montreal to Toronto?
Moving from one Canadian city to another can be a stressful experience. With so many different moving companies and services available, it is important to find the right solution for one's needs. Hercules Moving Company, for example, provides full-service residential relocations across Canada. Additionally, they offer amazing services such as packing/unpacking of boxes and furniture assembly/disassembly; all while taking measures to ensure safe transport with their secure trucks and well trained drivers. Meanwhile, there are other local moving companies in Montreal or Toronto that specialize in handling domestic moves between these two cities specifically. It’s always best to check reviews online and make sure that the company you choose is properly registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). That way you can rest assured knowing that your belongings will arrive safely at their destination point!
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Toronto in 2023 from Montreal requires proper preparation due to their many differences like cost of living, cultural attractions and job opportunities. Researching the best neighbourhoods and choosing the right moving company are essential for making the transition as smooth as possible. Toronto offers a unique urban lifestyle with its vibrant culture, plenty of green spaces and myriad entertainment options which make it an ideal destination for anyone looking for more out of relocation experience.
