Everything You Must Know Before Moving From St. John's to Montreal in 2023
Have you ever considered relocating from St. John's to Montreal in 2023? The vibrant and historic city of St. John's is Newfoundland and Labrador’s capital, located on the east coast of Canada. It is home to a population of over 200,000 people and boasts some amazing landmarks such as Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. The winding streets of the downtown core are full of charm, character and culture - making it an exciting place to explore!
On the other side of Canada lies Montreal - a cosmopolitan city located in southern Quebec with a population nearing 2 million people. It's an incredibly diverse city that features everything from its world-famous cuisine to its lively nightlife scene. You'll also find plenty of old-world architecture, parks, museums, galleries and more - all adding up to a truly unique experience no matter what kind of activities you're interested in!
Moving from St. John's to Montreal
Making the big move from St. John's to Montreal in 2023 comes with a lot of considerations. While there may be many factors to think about, we've selected 5 key things you should keep in mind when planning your move. Get ready to start learning about cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and what the best moving solutions are for you.
Cost of Living
Moving to Montreal can be an exciting and life-changing experience. It is the largest French-speaking city in Canada, providing plenty of opportunities for work, entertainment, and culture. Although the cost of living in Montreal is lower than some other Canadian cities, it is still important to consider your lifestyle before making such a big move as expenses can differ drastically depending on your budget. We've put together the table below with an overview of the cost of living between St. John's and Montreal to give you a better idea before you make your decision.
| Category | Montreal | St. John's |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $295 / sq ft. | $290 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $417/sq ft. | $200/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,477 / Month | $950 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-300 / Month | $200 - $300 / Month. |
| Transportation | $86.50 / Month (Opus Card for unlimited use on the metro and bus system). | $58.50/Month (Metrobus Transit Pass) |
| Car Insurance | $650 / Year | $900 / year |
| Entertainment | $200-300 / month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $80 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / month | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 14.975% | 15% / Year |
For those moving from St. John's to Montreal, living costs are generally higher than in St. John's. Real estate costs are significantly higher in Montreal, with production homes at $295/sq ft and custom-built single-family homes at $417/sq ft compared to the respective $290 / sq ft and $200 / sq ft in St. John's. Similarly, monthly housing costs range around $1,477 in Montreal whereas only $950 per month is needed in St. John's. Transportation is also more expensive with an Opus card costing $86.50/month compared to a Metrobus transit pass costing only $58.50/month in St. John's. Insurance for a car is also more expensive in Montreal at a yearly cost of $650 compared to the yearly cost of only $900 for the same vehicle insurance in St. John's. Furthermore, entertainment expenses, phone and internet bills, grocery costs, and health & fitness expenses are all slightly higher in Montreal than they are in St. John's despite the relatively small difference between them (e.g.,$200-300/month for entertainment vs $150/month). Finally, sales taxes are slightly lower in Montreal at 14 .975% compared to 15% per year for St. John’s
Benefits of Moving to Montreal
Moving to Montreal offers many advantages not found in St. John's: a vibrant culture, bustling nightlife, world-class entertainment and access to nature. Moreover, Montreal's dedication to preserving its environment through biking-friendly infrastructure is unparalleled. Meanwhile, St. John has a distinct beauty but it cannot offer the options that are available in Montreal such as cultural and gastronomic experiences, impressive urban sprawl and plenty of outdoor activities. Moving to this great city can be an exciting journey full of surprises; there is always something interesting and worthwhile doing!
Best areas to live in Montreal
Finding the best neighbourhood to live in Montreal is no easy task. With numerous areas to choose from, it can be hard to determine which one suits your needs best. Therefore, this post outlines five of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Montreal for people looking for a new home.
Westmount
Westmount is known for its standout architecture and chic cobbled streets, having been featured in films such as The Terminator and X-Men: Apocalypse. It is surrounded by popular attractions such as the Atwater Market, Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, and La Ronde amusement park. Moving to Westmount means you are close enough to downtown Montreal attractions that you can reach them in minutes on public transit. Living in Westmount gives you a unique combination of city life with quick access to natural beauty. Whether it's incredible restaurants or sprawling green spaces, the neighbourhood has something for everyone.
Outremont
Living in Outremont means taking advantage of the great diversity that its residential community offers. Home to a vibrant culture, Outremont is known for its Jewish history and contributions to the arts. It is also home to many notable people and buildings; including three synagogues, multiple churches and stunning architecture. With attractions such as Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium and downtown Montreal all within close proximity, residents of Outremont experience city life with ease. Outremont provides unique opportunities for all types of lifestyles with its exceptional cultural environment, convenient location and plentiful amenities.
Golden Square Mile
The Golden Square Mile is an affluent neighbourhood in Montreal, known for its elegant town homes, leafy gardens, and vibrant atmosphere. Surrounding the area are luxurious boutiques, cafes and galleries as well as nearby attractions like the McGill University campus or The Mount Royal Park. It is only a short five-minute walk to downtown where countless culinary adventures await. With its cosmopolitan buzz and cultural offerings, living in the Golden Square Mile feels like being at the centre of it all while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle at the same time.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a vibrant Montreal's neighbourhood that offers a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds, activities and entertainment. Located in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by parks, restaurants, stores and shops within walking distance. There are several popular attractions nearby such as Mount Royal Park and Mont-Royal Avenue. The distances to these attractions are short allowing stress-free access to them. Living in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal provides an alluring blend of leisure and comfort where finding something new or exciting around every corner will quickly become your daily norm.
Ville-Marie
Ville-Marie nestles in the heart of Montreal and is the oldest neighbourhood in Canada. It's known for its great restaurants and cultural attractions, it also offers stunning views of Mount Royal, just minutes away from many of its notable landmarks including Old Montreal, Chinatown and Old Port. Ville-Marie is a vibrant, cosmopolitan area that has something to offer everyone; whether you're looking for a bustling nightlife or calmer streetscapes there's plenty to explore with close proximity to the Lachine Canal and other nearby parks. Living in Ville-Marie gives you easy access to some amazing attractions all around; from theaters, art galleries and sports grounds with close proximity between them all!
Pros
- The move to Montreal offers a great opportunity to explore the city's vibrant and diverse culture.
- The pro point when moving from St. John's to Montreal is a plethora of job opportunities, making the city one of the most desired locations for professionals in Canada.
- Moving to Montreal is advantageous when it comes to public transportation, offering more efficient and wider-reaching options than what St. John's has to offer.
Cons
- The con point when moving from St. John's to Montreal is the harsher winter climate, making it a less desirable place for many people.
- The relatively high cost of living in Montreal compared to St.John's may be a financial burden for some.
- The traffic congestion in Montreal is much worse than in St. John's, making it a less feasible option for those looking to move.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From St. John's to Montreal?
Preparing for a move from St. John's to Montreal can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to selecting the right moving company. Fortunately, there are numerous options when it comes to finding reliable and trustworthy movers. Hercules Moving Company is one of the most popular moving companies in Canada and provides a wide range of services including packing, loading/unloading, storage solutions, and more. Moreover, there are many other local companies that provide excellent services as well; however, it's essential for customers to thoroughly research prospective movers before making a selection. Online reviews can be an invaluable resource for discovering what customer experiences have been like with any particular company as well as checking company registration with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
Conclusion
Moving from St. John's to Montreal in 2023 is an exciting opportunity for those looking for a change of pace and a new cultural experience. It's important to carefully weigh the costs versus benefits, consider how best to plan the move and pick the right moving company when making this big decision. Moving from St. John's can be daunting but it can also provide an opportunity for discovering new things with Montreal providing access to incredible culture, vibrant entertainment, natural beauty and nearby parks. There is no one-size fits all approach when relocating but selecting Hercules Moving Company may be your best solution for a stress-free relocation to Canada’s iconic city of Montreal!
