Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Victoria to Montreal in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it's like to move from Victoria to Montreal in 2023? Two of Canada's most vibrant cities, Victoria and Montreal, offer vastly different experiences.
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, off the coast of British Columbia. It has a population of over 85,000 people spread across an area of more than 30 square kilometres. Home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens and just a short drive away from beaches and mountains, Victoria is known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
Montreal is situated in Quebec on an island in the St. Lawrence River. With over 1 million people within its city limits, it's one of Canada's largest metropolises - yet still maintains that small-town charm with its traditional French architecture and warm residents. In Montreal you won't be able to help but get caught up in the city’s contagious energy - from art galleries and museums to sports arenas and outdoor festivals there’s so much culture packed into this amazing city!
Relocating to Montreal from Victoria
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if relocating is right for you. Here, we have compiled a list of the five most essential considerations when moving from Victoria to Montreal in 2023 - cost of living, benefits, where to live, pros and cons of relocation, and best moving solutions - so that you can make the most informed decision. Let's dive into each in more detail.
Cost of Living
Montreal is a large metropolitan city with a booming economy, making it an attractive destination for many. The cost of living in Montreal is highly dependent on the lifestyle one chooses to lead; explore the differences between Victoria and Montreal in the table below.
| Category | Montreal | Victoria |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $235 / sq ft. | $315 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $450 / sq ft. | $324 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1,400 / Month | $1,400/Month for a 1 bedroom apartment. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $300 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Transportation | $86.50 / Month for an Opus Card, which provides unlimited access to Montreal's public transportation system. | $85 / Monthly for a BC Transit bus pass. |
| Car Insurance | $783 / Year | $1,500 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $100 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $250 / Month. | $300 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $70 / Month | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-70/month | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 15\% | 7% / Year |
Moving to Montreal from Victoria can be quite a bargain for many people, as the real estate costs for both production homes and custom-built single-family homes are lower than in Victoria. The cost for a 1 bedroom apartment is the same in both cities, although utility and insurance costs are cheaper in Montreal than in Victoria. Transportation costs are also more affordable in Montreal, as an Opus Card will provide unlimited access to public transportation for $86.50 per month, whereas a BC Transit bus pass in Victoria will cost $85 per month. Car insurance is also more economical in Montreal with an annual fee of $783 compared to $1,500 per year in Victoria. Other living costs such as entertainment, grocery prices, communication plans, health and fitness expenses are also slightly lower than in Victoria. Finally, sales taxes are 8% higher in Victoria than in Montreal at 15%.
Benefits of Moving to Montreal
The culture in Montreal is much more multi-cultural, with different languages and backgrounds being represented. Moreover, Montreal has many more festivals than Victoria, including the International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs Festival. Meanwhile, food options in Montreal are much more diverse than Victoria's limited selection of local spots.
When it comes to arts and sports, both cities offer something unique; yet Montreal boasts an international stature that attracts world-renowned performers and athletes to its stages. Specifically, the famous Cirque du Soleil takes residence there every summer. Furthermore - as an up-and-coming tech hub - there are also exciting opportunities available well beyond arts and entertainment sphere that can be found in no other place in Canada like Montreal!
Best areas to live in Montreal
Choosing a neighbourhood in Montreal can be an overwhelming task. With every corner boasting its own unique culture, neighborhoods in this city offer a plethora of lifestyles and experiences. From trendy artists' havens to vibrant business quarters, it's not easy to select the best spot for your home base. With this list of Montreal's best neighbourhoods, you'll get a clearer perspective on what the city has to offer.
Westmount
Moving to Westmount can be an exciting adventure. Located in the city of Montreal, Westmount is a unique borough filled with life and culture. You don't have to worry about being far away from attractions – downtown's just 15 minutes away via car or public transportation. And you're always close to some of the best parks and green spaces that Canada has to offer. Living in Westmount means you'll be surrounded by amenities, conveniences, and an unbeatable quality of life no matter where you go! From restaurants and cafes to boutiques for shopping – there's something for everyone here!
Hampstead
Hampstead is an affluent neighbourhood of Montreal located northwest of the downtown core. It is a highly desirable place for lifelong residents and newcomers alike, due to its picturesque parks and gardens, variety of restaurants, proximity to other attractions like Mount Royal Park, and easy access to public transportation. Hampstead also offers some of the best shopping in the city with boutiques as well as big international chains. The area features a mix of modern high-rises and old Victorian homes adding character to its streetscapes. Residents can take advantage of the nearby hiking trails or catch a show at one of Hampstead's many theatres. With so much entertainment and culture nearby, living in Hampstead promises cosmopolitan vibrancy with natural beauty around every corner!
Outremont
Outremont is a vibrant, residential neighbourhood in Montreal that offers many attractions, parks and green spaces. It is surrounded by places like Parc Jeanne-Mance, Université de Montréal campus, the historic Village of Saint-Louis and the popular Mile End area. Outremont is close to attractions like La Ronde amusement park and Olympic Stadium as well making it an ideal location for those looking to experience the best of city life. With easy access to great restaurants, shopping complexes and entertainment areas, living in Outremont provides all you need for an exciting urban lifestyle.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
The vibrant and bustling Le Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood of Montreal is the perfect destination for everyone looking for a change of scenery in 2023. Sitting between Parc Laurier and Mount Royal, this is an area surrounded by lush gardens, parks, hills and picturesque streets. It's within walking distance of many attractions like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Saint Joseph's Oratory and Notre Dame Basilica. Moving to Le Plateau-Mont-Royal will be a unique experience filled with museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants that will make you feel right at home in this culturally rich city.
Golden Square Mile
The Golden Square Mile is a vibrant and historic stretch of Montreal's downtown core, boasting the highest concentration of historic buildings in Canada. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful parks, green spaces, popular attractions and a myriad of shops and eateries. From the Golden Square Mile one can easily access plenty of must-see sites like Mont-Royal Park or Place des Arts in mere minutes via public transportation. Living here is a unique privilege; its wide sidewalks make it easy to get your errands done while its vast selection of restaurants would satisfy any foodie. Residents will find excellent entertainment options such as Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal or La Ronde amusement park nearby; they won't miss out on all that life has to offer!
Pros
- The cultural experience of Montreal is incomparable to that of Victoria, offering an array of diverse attractions and events that are sure to delight.
- The delicious cuisine of Montreal provides an exciting and varied selection of dishes that are sure to satisfy any pallet, as opposed to Victoria which typically offers a more limited range.
- The plentiful and varying seasons in Montreal create a unique atmosphere for those relocating from Victoria, with plenty of opportunities to experience something different and unusual.
Cons
- Moving to Montreal in 2023 can be a difficult prospect due to its colder climate compared to Victoria's.
- The language barrier can be a major setback when shifting from Victoria to Montreal, as it is far less linguistically diverse than its western counterpart.
- Moving from Victoria to Montreal in 2023 can come with a hefty price tag, due to the high taxes levied by the city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Victoria to Montreal?
Moving from one city to another can be a difficult and complex task. There are many moving companies in Canada that offer a variety of services to make the process easier. Among these is Hercules Moving Company, which offers packing, loading, transportation and unpacking services. Many other companies provide similar services as well so it's important for customers to do their research and compare prices before choosing the best fit for their move.
In addition to researching companies and their services, it is important for customers moving from Victoria to Montreal to check the reputation of the company online, as well as verifying its registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Moreover, they should also ensure that the company is using proper protective materials when transporting goods in order to safeguard them during transit. Meanwhile, customers should remember that comprehensive insurance coverage will give them an added sense of security during any move.
Conclusion
Summary: Moving to Montreal from Victoria in 2023 can be an exciting and economically viable venture - with the cost of living, real estate, housing, transportation and entertainment being lower than in Victoria. Furthermore, this vibrant city boasts a range of attractions from arts and sports to up-and-coming tech hubs. With many neighbourhoods offering unique experiences and conveniences it's worth exploring the best spots to live in Montreal. Finally, customers should do their research while planning the move by comparing available moving solutions like Hercules Moving Company as well as verifying their professionalism before deciding on one.
