The Best Guide to Live in Montreal for New Comers | 2024

Many people are dreaming to live in Montreal to have this spectacular experience. You might be wondering how living in Montreal as a new comer makes feel like.

Our guide will give you the taste of living in this amazing city of Quebec. From the cost of housing to the local transit system, we cover it all to make your move easier. The city is a good choice for newcomers looking for an affordable place to call home.

Whether you’re looking to relocate as a student or young professional or move with your family, we will explain everything you need to know before settling into Montreal.

This guide will give you an overview of life in Montreal, tips on rent and transportation, family activities, and Montreal’s famous festivals and nightlife. Montreal is one of those cities with a little something for everyone, and this guide will show you how to make the most of it.

Introduction to Montreal

Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, lies on Montreal Island, where the St. Lawrence and Ottawa meet. This has made it a strategically placed town in eastern Canada. With a population of about 1.7 million, Montreal prides itself on its unique blend of European charm and North American dynamism.

Montreal is not only the economic and cultural center of Quebec but also Canada; it is highly developed in commerce, education, and art. Its historical roots, which date back to 1642 as a French colony, are still alive through the cobblestone streets, especially in Old Montreal, and specific impressive architectural landmarks like Notre Dame Basilica and Mount Royal Park.

This city is a dynamic, pulsating melting pot of cultures. The mixture of European architecture and the French language, combined with the population from every corner of the world, gives Montreal that rich, eclectic feel. A city of opposites, Montreal combines tradition and modernity with varied neighborhoods all over town, individually personalized—from the artistic, creative aura that permeates the Plateau Mont-Royal to Downtown Montreal’s corporate buzzing.

Cultural Diversity and History

Montreal’s multifaceted cultural life is one of its main characteristics. It represents different nationalities; this variety is felt in its food, festivals, and everyday life. Though French is the official language, several languages are spoken; most inhabitants also speak English fluently.

Historical Background of Montreal

Montreal is a city of fascinating history, as it was founded in 1642 as a colony of the French. Signs of these French colonists can be seen in Old Montreal, featuring buildings from the 17th century, cobblestone streets, and historical attractions. This European flair makes Montreal slightly different from other North American cities, a place that any history and culture enthusiast would want to visit.

Montreal is a modern city that perfectly blends French heritage and an international perspective. It is one of those rare cities where the past and the present blend in perfect harmony.

Weather in Montreal

Montreal has a continental climate and displays four very distinct seasons. This seasonal pattern helps you prepare accordingly.

Winter

Montreal’s winters can be pretty intense, and the temperature is generally below 20°C. A tremendous amount of snow falls from December to March, completely changing the city scene into a beautiful winter wonderland. The people of Montreal love to enjoy their winters in style, and they enjoy several outdoor events like skating, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Spring and Fall

Spring and autumn are relatively short but very pleasant seasons. In spring, the city is filled with flowers in bloom, whereas during autumn, it wears bright shades of color, especially around Mount Royal.

Summer

Montreal’s summers are generally hot and humid, often touching 25-30°C. During that time, the city is abuzz with festivals, outdoor dining, and waterfront tours.

Cost of Living in Montreal

Living in Montreal is considered one of the most attractive options for people considering moving to major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver due to its relatively low cost of living. As large as the city is, housing in Montreal remains more budget-friendly than in other Canadian cities.

Expense	Cost (CAD)	Description
Rent (1-bedroom apartment in downtown)	1,200	The average cost for a single-bedroom apartment in the city center
Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside downtown)	800	More affordable housing in the suburbs or outside central areas
Utilities (electricity, heating, water)	100-150	Average monthly utility bills for a small apartment
Internet	50-70	Monthly cost for internet services
Groceries	300-400	Monthly grocery expenses for a single person
Public Transportation Pass	90	A monthly pass for unlimited access to buses and metro
Dining Out (mid-range restaurant, one meal)	15-25	Cost for one meal at a mid-range restaurant
Fitness Club (monthly fee)	40-60	The average cost of a fitness club membership
Entertainment (movies, events)	50-100	Monthly entertainment expenses (e.g., movies, concerts)
Miscellaneous (clothing, personal items)	100-150	Monthly budget for miscellaneous items

Housing Costs

One-bedroom apartment (outside the city center): Rents drop to CAD 800/month or lower in areas farther from downtown.

If you’re moving to Montreal, remember that ease of access to public transportation and nearby amenities like food stores or parks significantly impacts housing costs. On a positive note, public transportation is widespread, and it’s possible to live further away from downtown without too much hassle.

Coliving accommodation in Montreal usually helps young professionals and students reduce housing costs.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs for heating, electricity, cooling, and water range from CAD 100 to CAD 150 per month, depending on the size of your apartment and pattern of use. Internet plans generally cost CAD 50 to CAD 70 per month, though energy-efficient appliances may reduce utility costs.

Grocery and Food Costs

Food is moderately priced in Montreal. On average, groceries cost around CAD 300-400 per month per person. Local markets, such as the Jean-Talon Market, offer fresh produce and gourmet products while being competitive with other places, enabling one to maintain a healthy diet on a budget.

Dining out can range from moderately priced to expensive, especially if trying restaurants in the Plateau Mont-Royal or Old Montreal areas. Montreal has this quirky habit of having BYOW-restaurant concepts where one can enjoy a gourmet meal without paying for additional wine/liquor.

Source: Download the full map from here

Transportation

Public transportation is efficient, affordable, and ecological in Montreal. For STM (the Société de transport de Montréal), the monthly pass costs around CAD 90 and gives unlimited access to its buses and metro system. The BIXI bike-sharing program is becoming popular, with over 600 stations across the city, and biking has become quite a convenient and reasonably priced alternative to public transportation.

Living in Montreal with a Family

Montreal is not just about young professionals and students; it is also a family-friendly city in Canada. Families moving to Montreal will find amenities that make family life comfortable and enjoyable, such as reasonably affordable childcare, bilingual schools, and recreational activities.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods like NDG and Outremont attract the most families. These are safe areas to raise children, with proximity to schools and family parks.

Education

Montreal’s bilingual education system is vital in attracting families to relocate here. Public schools offer English and French programs, enabling children to be fluent in both languages, which is quite an advantage.

Moreover, university tuition fees are the lowest in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada, another selling point for families planning to stay long-term.

Childcare

Quebec has subsidized public daycare available for a low CAD 8.50 per day. With many choices of affordable daycare, it is easier for parents to go back to work or study with the assurance that their children will be cared for. Learn more about daycare options on the Quebec government website.

Recreational Activities

Montreal offers many recreational activities for families. Outdoor activities abound in parks like Mount Royal and La Fontaine Park. In winter, families can hike, picnic, or ski and sled. Indoor activities in the Montreal Science Centre and the Biodome offer the kids year-round fun learning.

Cultural Highlights of Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant city that is steeped in life and culture. From dining and nightlife to festivals, there is always something going on.

Dining and Food Scene

Montreal is very eclectic when it comes to the food scene. You can almost find any cuisine, but there are some local specialties not to be missed:

• Poutine: This is a classic dish if you want to eat something from Montreal—a plate full of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. If you are trying it, go to La Banquise; they have over 28 kinds.
• Smoked Meat: Smoked meat sandwiches symbolize Montreal’s Jewish history. For this quintessential meal, go to Schwartz’s Deli.
• BYOB Restaurants: Many restaurants in areas such as Plateau Mont-Royal allow you to bring your wine, making fine dining somewhat more budget-friendly.

Festivals

Things to do in Montreal don’t end with food; there are festivals throughout the calendar year. Notable ones include:

• Montreal International Jazz Festival: Among the major jazz festivals in the world, top-class jazz musicians come together from different parts of the world.
• Just for Laughs Festival: One famous comedy festival draws many people’s belly laughs each summer.
• Osheaga Music Festival: Lying on Île Sainte-Hélène, this festival attracts many successful artists worldwide.

Nightlife

Montreal’s nightlife is among the best in North America. It offers everything from cozy pubs to upscale nightclubs. If you need more choices, major nightlife areas are Crescent Street, popular with anglophones and tourists, Boulevard Saint-Laurent, more francophone, and the Latin Quarter.

Transportation in Montreal

Getting around Montreal is relatively easy, with its highly developed transit system. The Montreal Metro has four interconnected lines connecting the major neighborhoods, while buses complement the metro at places the train does not reach.

• Montreal Metro: The metro runs until about 12:30 a.m. on weekdays and later during weekends. A monthly pass for CAD 90 allows for unlimited rides.
• BIXI Bike Sharing: If you like cycling, Montreal has an affordable, annual subscription bike-sharing system with over 600 stations throughout the city.
• Ride-sharing services: Uber and local taxis provide additional options for late-night travel.

Conclusion

Montreal offers the best of both worlds: rich cultural exposure and relatively affordable living standards. In terms of arts, food, festivals, and family environments, Montreal has something for everyone.

Everything from its high-functioning public transportation system to the friendly bilingual atmosphere makes Montreal one of the best choices for those willing to start their life in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Montreal