Living in Montreal: Essential Info for Expats, By Expats
Thinking about moving to Montreal? We’ve got you covered on everything—from visas, housing, and healthcare to daily life. Discover the pros and cons of living in Montreal, supported by survey statistics and essential Q&As. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan your move with confidence. Worried about feeling alone? Learn how to make friends and expand your network through in-person events and expat groups in the city. Read on to start your Montreal journey!
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Jose Carreira
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Anna Maria Osario
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Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Montreal
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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The Pros & Cons of life in Montreal
This busy metropolis attracts individuals from around the globe. Our insights are taken from comprehensive research and our Expat Insider data, one of the largest annual global expat surveys. In 2024, over 12,000 expats shared their experiences.
Pros:
Cultural Richness: Montreal is renowned for its cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene. With numerous festivals, museums, and galleries, 85% of expats appreciate the city's cultural offerings, significantly higher than the global average of 65%.
Quality of Life: The city ranks highly for its quality of life, with 80% of expats satisfied with the healthcare system and 78% enjoying the city's green spaces and recreational facilities.
Affordable Living: Compared to other major North American cities, Montreal offers a relatively low cost of living. 51ԹϺ 72% of expats find housing affordable, and everyday expenses are generally more manageable.
Friendly Community: Montreal is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The city’s bilingual nature (English and French) makes it easier for expats to integrate and make friends. Over 70% of expats find it easy to adapt and feel at home in Montreal.
Cons:
Harsh Winters: Montreal’s winter can be long and harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Around 65% of expats find the winter weather challenging.
Language Barrier: While Montreal is bilingual, French is the dominant language. Approximately 45% of expats find the language barrier difficult, especially in professional settings where French proficiency is often required.
High Taxation: Quebec has one of the highest tax rates in North America. 55% of expats feel burdened by the high taxes.
Healthcare System: Despite the high standard of healthcare, the public system can be slow, with long waiting times for certain treatments and services. 51ԹϺ 40% of expats express concerns over the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Job Market Competition: While there are a lot of job opportunities, the competition can be fierce, especially in specialized fields. 50% of expats feel that securing a job that matches their qualifications and experience can be challenging in Montreal.
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Meet other expats in Montreal at our events
Discover Montreal’s international scene with InterNations! Meet people from around the world at our events — whether you’re looking to network, make friends, or explore the city.
You don’t know anybody, yet? No worries! We have Newcomers’ Events specially designed for people new to the city. From newcomer meetups to fun gatherings at top restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone. Our friendly hosts will help you feel right at home. Check out our events and take your Montreal social life to the next level!
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Frequently asked questions about living in Montreal
Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry — we’ve got answers to your key questions to help you settle in quickly and confidently when you arrive in Montreal.
Expats in Montreal often choose the following neighbourhoods for their diverse amenities and lifestyles:
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Verdun: Known for safety and affordability, with an average rent of 7,800 RM (approx. 1.900 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment.
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Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie: Ideal for young couples, offering a vibrant atmosphere and affordable living, with rents at 7,400 RM (approx. 1,800 USD).
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LaSalle: Perfect for families, featuring strong community vibes, with average rents of 7,400 RM (approx. 1,800 USD).
These neighbourhoods provide a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets
A liveable salary in Montreal typically ranges around 206,140 RM (approx. 50,120 USD) per year for an individual, which is slightly below the Canadian average. The average household income in Montreal is approximately 352,500 RM (approx. 85,700 USD). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle, considering the average cost of living in Montreal is about 11,500 RM (approx. 2,800 USD) per month for a single person, a salary of around 144,000 to 164,500 RM (approx. 35,000 to 40.000 USD) per year is generally considered liveable.
Moving to Montreal without speaking French is possible, especially in English-speaking neighbourhoods like NDG, Montreal West, and Westmount. While many Montrealers are bilingual, learning French is beneficial as it is the dominant language. In some areas, locals may prefer or only speak French. Taking French lessons can help ease the transition and improve your overall experience in the city
Montreal offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major North American cities. Below is a single person’s typical monthly expenses in Montreal
Expense | Local currency (CAD) | USD (Approx) |
Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center) | 1,900 | 460 |
Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside city center) | 1,600 | 400 |
Basic utilities (electricity, heating, etc) | 140 | 32 |
Internet | 80 | 20 |
Mid-range restaurant | 120 | 30 |
Groceries | 300 | 73 |
Monthly public transportation | 100 | 24 |
Living in Montreal offers a unique blend of European charm and North American convenience. The city is known for its beautiful cultural scene, bilingual environment, and affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities. Montreal's public transportation system is efficient, and the city is very bike-friendly. Winters can be harsh, but the city is well-equipped to handle snow and cold temperatures. The diverse neighbourhoods offer something for everyone, from families to young professionals.
Montreal is renowned for its cultural scene and diverse recreational activities, making it an exciting place to live. Here are some highlights:
Cultural Activities:
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Montreal International Jazz Festival: One of the largest jazz festivals in the world
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Just for Laughs Festival: A globally recognized comedy festival featuring performances from top comedians.
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Museums: Key attractions include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, have a range of historical and contemporary exhibitions.
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Theatre and Performing Arts: The city is home to numerous theatres, including the Place des Arts, which hosts ballets, operas, and orchestral performances.
Recreational Activities:
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Mount Royal Park: A sprawling park perfect for hiking, biking, picnicking, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
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Lachine Canal: Ideal for cycling, walking, and kayaking, with beautiful pathways along the canal.
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Parc Jean-Drapeau: Features an amusement park, a beach, the Montreal Casino, and hosts the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
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Sports: Montreal is home to several professional sports teams, including the Montreal Canadians (hockey), Montreal Impact (soccer), and the Montreal Alouettes (football).
Healthcare in Montreal is managed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), which oversees the Quebec Health Insurance Plan (QHIP). Newcomers must apply for a RAMQ health card to access most medical services, including doctor visits and hospital care. There is typically a waiting period of up to three months before coverage begins, during which private health insurance is recommended. Prescription drug insurance is mandatory and can be obtained through public or private plans.
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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in ѴDzԳٰé
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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Hey there! Ever thought about hanging out with people who share the same interests as you? Well, our groups make it a breeze to hook up with people who are into the same hobbies & interests. Montreal has plenty of 51ԹϺgroups for every hobby!
- Love the great outdoors? You gotta check out the Montreal Outdoor & Adventure Group.
- Are you a total foodie? (Who isn't, right?) The Montreal Foodies Group is right up your alley.
- If you're all about staying active, the Montreal Sports & Fitness Group's got your back.
- And for all you culture buffs out there, the Montreal Arts & Culture Group is where it's at.
Group activities are cozy and welcoming, led by enthusiastic 51ԹϺConsuls. Jump in, do what you love, and make new friends in Montreal!
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Embark on a New Life in Montreal
With a thriving arts scene, long tradition of jazz music and the world-renowned film festival, Montreal is perfect for those who enjoy a busy social life. Expats will need to get to grips with harsh winters but, luckily, the comprehensive metro system keeps the city moving with little inconvenience. Main industries in Montreal include video gaming, aerospace, film, finance, commerce, ICT, and textiles manufacturing. To find employment it's essential to speak French, the official language of the city.
51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in New York or Budapest, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Meet Like-Minded Expats at 51ԹϺEvents in ѴDzԳٰé
Socializing, meeting new friends, and pursuing your interests are all part of the expat experience and with 51ԹϺyou're invited to join in with a variety of events. Our regular community-wide social events allow our expats living in Montreal to meet up in person and have fun together. Of course don't forget our 51ԹϺGroups where like-minded expats share their interests in volleyball, Latin dance, and volunteering to name just a few. Once you arrive, we encourage you to embrace all the social opportunities that 51ԹϺoffers and start exploring the city while making life-long friendships.
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