Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Vancouver to Montreal in 2023
Have you ever thought of moving from Vancouver to Montreal in 2023? Located on Canada's west coast, Vancouver is a major port city with a population of over 2.4 million people. It is known for its friendly atmosphere, scenic beauty and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing, biking and hiking. Imagine the feeling of being surrounded by mountains and ocean waters!
Montreal is another beautiful Canadian city located in Quebec province - one of the most populous provinces in Canada with an estimated 8 million people living there. Founded by French settlers in 1642, Montreal has become an important cultural center as well as a bustling financial hub. This vibrant city offers its residents plenty of attractions to explore; from churches to art galleries Montreal has something for everyone!
Relocating from Vancouver to Montreal
Relocating from Vancouver to Montreal can be a big step, as there are several factors to consider. To make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, we have narrowed down five critical considerations: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons and Best Moving Solutions. With the right information and resources at hand, you can ensure your move goes smoothly.
Cost of Living
With its vibrant culture and multitude of attractions, Montreal is one of Canada's largest cities. When moving to this metropolis, it is important to consider that the cost of living can vary depending on one's lifestyle and preferences. To better understand this concept, have a look at the table below for a comparison between Vancouver and Montreal.
| Category | Montreal | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $218 / sq ft. | $430 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $315 / sq ft. | $1000 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,390 / Month. | $1,850 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $300 / Month | $150-250 / Month. |
| Transportation | $86.50/month for an OPUS card, which provides unlimited access to Montreal's bus and metro system. | $98.00 / Month for a Monthly Pass on public transit system. |
| Car Insurance | $850 / Year. | $1,680 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / month | $250 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $250 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $70 / Month | $70 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-100 / Month | $70-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 14.975% | 7% / Year |
Moving to Montreal from Vancouver can save you a lot on housing, real estate and transportation costs. Prices for production homes in Montreal are more than half than those in Vancouver and custom-built single-family dwellings are more than three times lower. Renting in Montreal will cost you $460 less per month compared to Vancouver, with utilities and insurance being up to 50% lower. Public transit is also much cheaper in Montreal, with monthly passes costing about $12 less than in Vancouver. Car insurance is cheaper too, costing around $830 per year less. Groceries, communication plans and health & fitness fees are the same in both cities while entertainment can cost up to one third less if you move to Montreal. Finally, sales taxes are almost double as high as in Vancouver.
Benefits of Moving to Montreal
Montreal offers a unique cultural diversity and plenty of exciting cultural activities to explore. If you're looking for something different, Montreal is the place to be; with its rich culture, art galleries and markets, food culture and exciting nightlife scene, there's something for everyone. Moreover, it is much cheaper than Vancouver in terms of cost of living. Meanwhile, Montreal also offers excellent health care compared to Vancouver with its affordable healthcare services. It also has a much cleaner environment with fewer cars on the road because of its strong commitment towards cleaner air initiatives such as bike lanes and public transportation options. Lastly, it has an impressive bilingual education system that helps locals learn both French and English fluently which is not really the case in Vancouver.
Best areas to live in Montreal
Making a decision on where to live when moving to Montreal can be a challenging task. Since the city is filled with so many different neighbourhoods, choosing just one can be difficult. This section outlines some of the best areas in Montreal to live, each providing unique characteristics and convenience.
Westmount
Moving to Westmount in Montreal can be an exciting experience. It is situated at the foot of Mount Royal and surrounded by lush green parks, stunning views and lively cafes. It is just a few blocks from downtown attractions like Old Port, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Notre Dame Basilica, yet offers a quiet residential vibe with plenty of space for families. Within walking distance you will find a variety of amenities including shops, restaurants and entertainment spots. With its close proximity to downtown Montreal, Westmount residents enjoy access to great urban amenities without sacrificing the peace and tranquility offered by living in the suburbs. Life in Westmount promises an idyllic lifestyle that combines city living with suburban comforts - all within reach!
Golden Square Mile
The lively Golden Square Mile is a neighbourhood in Montreal that offers countless activities and attractions. Located near Old Montreal, the neighbourhood is surrounded by green spaces, historic homes, modern architecture and cozy restaurants. From this hub of activity, you can walk to many of the city's main attractions such as Notre-Dame Basilica just 15 minutes away or take a scenic 10-minute drive to Mount Royal Park. Moving to Golden Square Mile means enjoying the bustling atmosphere of one of Canada's most vibrant cities with everything from world-class fashion outlets to local boutiques just moments away. Living in this area provides a unique opportunity for those wanting an urban lifestyle with enough parks and activities nearby to explore Montreal’s culture and history.
Outremont
Outremont is a bustling neighbourhood in Montreal and home to the largest Jewish population in Canada. Surrounding the area are many parks, cafes and shops. Distances to attractions like Mount Royal Park, St. Joseph's Oratory, Botanical Garden and other sites are only a short drive away. Life in Outremont offers an eclectic mix of culture, natural beauty and vibrant city life for an exciting experience that can't be found anywhere else!
Le Plateau Mont-Royal
Le Plateau Mont-Royal is a historically diverse neighborhood with a vibrant art scene, composed of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It is surrounded by iconic landmarks like Parc LaFontaine and the iconic rue Saint Denis. The area also offers close proximity to downtown Montreal and its bustling streets. Within Le Plateau Mont-Royal lies a unique atmosphere where locals can find comfort within walking distance to their daily needs, while enjoying an active nightlife and unbeatable views just minutes away from their doorsteps. Living in Le Plateau Mont-Royal means trading the urban hustle for smaller neighbourhood charm while having the best of both worlds at your disposal.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is a vibrant and bustling neighbourhood full of history and culture, known for its cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and old-fashioned charm. It is close to countless attractions like Biodome de Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau and the iconic St. Joseph's Oratory. The area is only minutes away from the downtown core by either car or public transportation. Living in Old Montreal provides many opportunities for cultural exploration, as well as being able to experience the French culture firsthand. From lively nightlife scenes to charming cafes, bistros and traditional bakeries – there’s something for everyone in this unique part of Canada’s second largest city!
Pros
- The culture in Montreal offers a wealth of opportunity for exploration, far beyond what Vancouver has to offer.
- The lower cost of living in Montreal compared to Vancouver makes it a more attractive destination for those looking to relocate.
- The seasonal weather in Montreal is refreshingly distinct from Vancouver's mild climate, offering an enjoyable change of pace for those looking to get away from familiar surroundings.
Cons
- Moving from Vancouver to Montreal in 2023 can be quite challenging due to the language barrier.
- The population in Montreal is less diverse when compared to the one in Vancouver.
- Moving from Vancouver to Montreal in 2023 means being farther from the ocean, which can be a significant disadvantage for those who enjoy the seaside.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Vancouver to Montreal?
Moving to a new city can be an exciting experience, however it can also be quite stressful. When you are moving from Vancouver to Montreal, it's important to pick the right moving company that will fit your needs. Hercules Moving Company is one of many reliable and experienced Canadian movers that specialize in cross-country moves. With their competitive rates and tailored services, they have everything you need for a successful move. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other great options available so you'll need to take time researching different companies and comparing their services before making a decision. More importantly, when selecting a moving company make sure to check their reputation online and verify that they're registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Taking these extra steps will go a long way in ensuring you get the best possible service.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Montreal from Vancouver in 2023 can be an exciting experience, as the city offers plenty of attractions like art galleries and markets, food culture and nightlife scene. Cost of living is lower compared to Vancouver in terms of housing, real estate and transportation costs; while entertainment and sales taxes are cheaper too. In addition, the city provides excellent healthcare services with a cleaner environment. To make your move smooth, Hercules Moving Company offers tailored services with competitive rates ensuring a successful cross-country move.
