Moving to Toronto from Montreal: Is it Worth it?

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Moving from Montreal to Toronto can be a big change, but it also offers many new opportunities.

While Montreal is a great city, Toronto is even larger and more metropolitan. This means that there are more job and housing options, as well as greater cultural diversity.

Of course, Moving to Toronto also comes with its own set of challenges. The cost of living is higher in Toronto than in Montreal, so you will need to budget carefully.

To help you decide if this move is right for you, I’m comparing Toronto and Montreal’s living experiences.

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Benefits of Moving to Toronto From Montreal

1. Multicultural City

One of the best things about Toronto is its diversity. There are over 200 different cultures represented in the city, so you’re sure to find a community that you fit into.

There are also many different festivals and events celebrating various cultures throughout the year.

2. Safety

Toronto is generally a safe city, and its crime rate is lower than Montreal’s.

This is especially true for violent crime, which is much less common in Toronto.

Of course, no city is completely safe, so you should still take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Toronto is making an effort to be more environmentally friendly, and this is reflected in its infrastructure.

For example, the city has a large number of bike lanes, and public transit is easily accessible.

There are also many green spaces throughout Toronto, which is great for nature lovers.

4. English-Speaking

Although Montreal is officially a bilingual city, English is the predominant language spoken in Toronto.

This can be helpful if you’re not fluent in French or if you’re looking to practice your English skills.

It also means that most jobs are English speaking, so if you are an Anglophone and struggled with work in Montreal, you’ll have an easier time in Toronto.

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5. Job Opportunities

Toronto is Canada’s financial capital, so it has more job opportunities than Montreal.

There are also many different industries represented in the city, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Of course, this also means that competition for jobs is higher, but if you’re qualified and put in the effort, you’re sure to find something.

6. Move Anytime

In Montreal, people only move on July 1st – moving day in Quebec.

However, this isn’t true in Toronto. People move any time of year.

7. Warmer in Winter

Although both Toronto and Montreal experience cold winters, Toronto is warmer.

This is due to the urban heat island effect, which makes cities warmer than rural areas.

So, if you’re looking to escape the cold weather, Toronto is a better choice than Montreal.

8. Public Transportation

Toronto has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars, and subways.

This makes it easy to get around the city, even if you don’t have a car.

The transit system is also affordable, so you won’t need to spend a lot of money on transportation.

Cons of Moving to Toronto From Montreal

1. No French

Montreal is bilingual. And many people speak primarily French.

In Toronto, however, English is the predominant language. So if you’re looking to practice your French or live in a city where French is more common, Montreal is a better choice.

You’ll also struggle to find French-only jobs.

In Ontario, people mostly work in English.

2. Cost of Housing

The average rent in Toronto is higher than in Montreal.

So, if you’re looking for affordable housing, Toronto is not the best choice.

You may be able to find cheaper rent outside of the city, but then you’ll have to deal with a longer commute.

Housing prices are also higher in Toronto, so if you’re looking to buy a house or condo, you’ll likely pay more than you would in Montreal.

3. Traffic and Congestion

Toronto is a much larger city than Montreal, and this can lead to traffic congestion.

The city is also spread out, so you may have to travel long distances to get where you’re going.

This can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to the smaller size of Montreal.

4. Smog

Unfortunately, Toronto suffers from smog, which is a mixture of pollutants in the air.

Smog can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

5. Drinking Age

The drinking age in Toronto is 19, while in Montreal it’s 18.

It’s not a massive con, but if you’re picking a city for university, this can influence your decision.

6. Expensive Nightclubs

While there are some affordable clubs in Toronto, many of them are quite expensive.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap night out, Montreal is a better choice.

7. July 1 is Uncommon for Moving

In Toronto, people move any time of year. So, if you’re used to the Moving day tradition in Montreal, you may be disappointed in Toronto.

There are some exceptions, such as leases ending on July 1st, but for the most part, you can move any time you want.

However, because of Canada Day, parades and time off make it hard to move on this day.

8. Different Driving Laws

The driving laws are different in Toronto than they are in Montreal.

For example, in Toronto, you can turn right on a red light, while in Montreal you can’t.

So, if you’re moving from Montreal to Toronto, make sure to brush up on the driving laws before hitting the road.

Moving From Montreal to Toronto Cost (2022)

The cost of living is higher in Toronto than in Montreal.

Rent is more expensive, and you’ll likely need to spend more on transportation.

However, salaries are also higher in Toronto, so you may be able to offset the increased costs.

Average cost of rent in Toronto: $2,000

Average cost of rent in Montreal: $1,200

Average monthly public transportation costs in Toronto: $150

Average monthly public transportation costs in Montreal: $85

Taxes in Toronto: 13%

Taxes in Montreal: 15%

Cheapest Way to Move From Montreal to Toronto

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move from Montreal to Toronto, the best option is to drive.

You can save money on transportation costs by driving your own car or renting a moving truck.

However, this option is only practical if you’re moving a small number of belongings.

To be honest, I recommend not skimping on a move and instead paying for movers.

How to Move from Montreal to Toronto

The best way to move from Montreal to Toronto is to hire a professional moving company.

Moving companies have the experience and expertise to get your belongings from one city to another safely and efficiently.

Plus, they can handle all the heavy lifting for you.

Best Areas to Live in Toronto

Etobicoke

Etobicoke is a great choice for families, as it’s close to schools and parks. Plus, it’s easy to get around Etobicoke thanks to the TTC.

Scarborough

Scarborough is another great choice for families, as it has plenty of green space and is close to the zoo. It ‘s also well connected to the rest of the city by public transit.

Mississauga

Mississauga is a good choice for those who want to live close to Toronto but not in the city itself. It’s also convenient for commuters, as it’s close to the GO Train.

Liberty Village

Liberty Village is a great choice for young professionals, as it’s close to downtown and has plenty of nightlife options.

King West

King West is a great choice for young professionals, as it’s close to downtown and has plenty of nightlife options.

Conclusion: Should You Move to Toronto From Montreal

Moving to Toronto is a great idea if you’re looking for a city with more job opportunities, a higher salary, and a more exciting nightlife.

However, you should be aware of the increased cost of living and the different driving laws.

Moving to Toronto is also a great idea if you’re looking for a city with more job opportunities, a higher salary, and warmer winter.

But don’t forget to brush up on your Ontario driving laws!

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