Moving to Montreal from the United States is not as straightforward as it might appear to get legal entry into the city or obtain a visa.
On May 17, 1642, the city of “Ville-Marie” was established in Montreal – today known as Canada’s second most popular city. This settlement was inspired by the triple-peaked summit of Mount Royal located at its core.
Now a commercial hub for Canada, Montreal captivates travelers from all parts of the world with its overwhelming charm and character.
The city is notable in the sectors of education, business, fashion, aerospace, design, pharmaceuticals, the arts, transportation, and the production of video games.
After hearing about Montreal’s many favorable features, you may have opted to migrate there. However, it is essential to be informed of both the advantages and disadvantages of moving there from the United States.
Moving to Montreal from US – What You Need to Know!
When moving from the USA to Montreal, there are several things you will need to take into consideration. In this article, we will discuss the essential factors to keep in mind when making the transition from your home in the United States to your new home in Montreal.
It is essential to take the following factors into consideration:
- Standard of living
- Demographics
- Environmental factors
- Housing Affordability
- Transportation
- Entertainment and leisure
#1: Standard of Living
The city of Montreal has a 0.03 unit lower income inequality and a 5.4 unit lower murder rate, according to Mercer Quality of Living Survey data and statistics related to the respective cities’ comparing standards of living.
This gives Montreal an edge with 25 units more in quality overall over New York City, despite its marginally lower loss in terms of income inequalities.
People from the United States looking to relocate to Canada often make Montreal a priority destination due its reputation as one of the safest cities in which to live.
#2: Demographics
Montreal has a higher population density than the United States, making it rank better in terms of demographics when compared with the US. Demographics in this context refers to the distribution of people living in Montreal.
Montreal has a population density of 2,205 people per square kilometer, 78.3% lower than New York City’s population density of 10,194 people per square kilometer.
The comparatively lower population in Montreal makes it more attractive as a place to live, resulting in an influx of people migrating from the United States. This population disparity further highlights why Montreal is becoming increasingly appealing.
#3: Environmental Factors
Before making your decision to move, it is essential to be informed of the environmental conditions of both Montreal and New York. Knowing their respective humidity levels, temperature ranges, and other climatic factors is important for determining if either destination is suitable for you.
Montreal has a temperature of approximately 7.7°C, significantly lower than New York’s 14.2°C; this gives New York City a 6.5°C edge over Montreal in terms of heat.
The relative humidity rate for both cities is also distinct: 68% for New York and 79.1 % for Montreal, which has the advantage of several nearby lakes to provide an additional cooling effect; this makes the difference between the two locations’ humidity rates 11.1%.
#4: Housing Affordability
The affordability of housing in Montreal has become an increasingly attractive feature for those seeking to move from the United States.
On average, a one-bedroom apartment will cost approximately $1,004.41 in Montreal compared to around $3,025.73 in New York City – resulting in a difference of over two thousand dollars.
This factor is often cited as another reason why people are relocating from stateside to the Canadian city.
#5: Transportation
Despite having one more airport than Montreal, which only has two, New York City failed to be voted the top city with the best transport facilities.
Additionally, there are seven more quality traffic-controlled airports in Montreal compared to NYC. On average, a person spends $70 per month on public transportation tickets in Montreal that is $59.9 cheaper monthly when compared to how much people usually spend on such fare costs in New York City ($130).
The disparity between Montreal and New York City in terms of transportation costs means that those who lack a private vehicle will pay proportionately less to get around in the Canadian city than they would across the border.
Owing to this, relocation from the United States to Montreal may become an even more attractive prospect for those seeking lower expense on traveling.
#6: Entertainment and Leisure
Although both Montreal and New York City have great entertainment and leisure opportunities, what sets New York apart is its large sporting facilities that include stadiums, arenas, and much more..
New York is yet to achieve the recognition of having a landmark on the UNESCO World Heritage list, being a destination for religious pilgrimage, or hosting an Olympics like Montreal which has had those distinctions.
Other factors that can affect your migration from the US to Montreal are:
- The unemployment rate in New York is 4.3% lower than it is in Montreal.
- $0.96 less for a liter of milk than in Montreal
- cheaper fuel prices than in Montreal.
- Beer (0.5l) costs $0.53 less in Montreal than it does in New York.
- A 4.2% lower VAT is demanded in New York than in Montreal.
- In comparison to Montreal, New York’s average pay is $3,469.72 higher.
This city has gained notoriety for hosting incredible international events, some of which include:
- Montreal International Jazz Festival, which is the largest jazz festival in the world.
- The Summer Olympics of 1976, which makes it the only city in Canada to have held the Summer Olympics & the 1967 International & Universal Exposition.
- The Canadian Grand Prix of Formula Onefrom 1978 to date
Montreal also stands out with the “Just for Laughs” festival, the largest comedy festival in the world and its own edition, “‘Les Francos de Montréal'”.
The city is a haven for sport appreciators too, with its exciting ice hockey games and other sports activities.
Conclusion
When planning your budget for relocating from the United States to Montreal, think about how many people will be coming with you. Moving alone is estimated to cost around $5,300 while moving with family could cost up to $10,000.
Despite being relatively expensive when compared to other parts of the United States, particularly New York City, Montreal is one of the most affordable and comfortable cities for living in Canada.