Let’s say you wish to move from a rural area of Western Canada to a bustling city in Eastern Canada. You have one question after that. If you have to pick between Montreal and Toronto to live, which one should you choose? The answer to Living in Toronto vs Montreal can be tough, but we can help you with it!
Toronto is, in a nutshell, the best city in the world to live World-class theatre and food, legendary music festivals and one of North America’s priciest real estate markets. Conversely, Montreal is North America’s most populous French-speaking metropolis and is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and strong European flavour.
Both cities and regions have different pros and cons to consider. Before you do anything else, you need to determine what’s the most important aspect for you. This guide discusses common pitfalls about these two cities, things we love about them, and a helpful checklist for choosing which one will fit you best.
Cost of Living in Toronto vs Montreal
Distinguishing the cost of living between two famous and beautiful cities can be a challenging task. Let us help you easily analyze the difference between the Cost of Living in Toronto and Montreal in detail.
Houses
Montreal: Montreal was once Canada’s greatest metropolis when cities were more densely populated and suited to strolling. The city’s tens of thousands of pre-World War II duplexes, triplexes, and walk-ups provide appealing options at reasonable costs. For nearly a century, they have been enjoyable and economical pastimes.
Toronto: With all the two- and three-story detached homes subdivided into smaller flats, a stroll around the city may fool Toronto for a suburban area. Glass condos, affordable housing, and drab concrete high-rises disfigure you that the mass of people cannot afford.
Public transportation
Knowing how much public transportation in Montreal costs compared to Toronto will help you budget for your daily commute if you rely on public transportation.
Transportation Fee:
In Montreal, Quebec, Canada, public transportation is managed by a government-owned company. In addition to the existing four lines and 68 stops in the subway system, there are now more than 186 bus lines and 23-night services. Canada’s most populated cities are served by this, one of North America’s largest rapid transit networks.
Below are some of the more relevant tariffs to remember when planning a vacation in Montreal.
| Transportation Fee: | Regular Fare: | 6-17 years old(Children + Teenagers) | 18 years old and older: | 65 years old and older: |
| 1 trip | $3.5 | $2.5 | – | $1 |
| For one day | $10 | – | – | – |
| For one week | $28 | $16.75 | – | $8.50 |
| For one month | $90.50 | $54 | $54 | $27 |
Rates for TTC Rides:
The Toronto Transit Commission is in charge of the city’s public transportation, including the subway, streetcars, and buses (TTC). Two of the most critical lines make up the subway system:
- The yellow Line
- The Green Line
The Yellow Line travels north along northern Yonge Street, and the Green Line travels south from Union Station along southern Eglinton Avenue. These lines originate at Union Station (beginning in the Etobicoke neighbourhood and running through Central Toronto to the Scarborough district).
To get an idea of how much you may expect to spend on TTC rides in Toronto, check out the breakdown below.
| Transportation Fee: | Regular Fee: | 18 years old and older | 13-19 years old and 65+ years seniors |
| 1 trip | $3.25 | – | $2.3 |
| For one day, | $13.5 | – | – |
| For one month, | $150+ | a $128.15 | $128.15 |
Safety or Crime Rate: Toronto vs Montreal
Both cities have low rates of recorded crime each year, with Toronto being designated the safest major city in North America in 2017 and Montreal halving its crime rate over the past twenty years. It demonstrates that both cities have maintained their low rates of reported crime.
The numbers are almost the same for both cities, with one notable distinction being that residents of Montreal had a higher perception of their safety when out strolling alone at night compared to those of Toronto.
Job Hunting in Toronto vs Montreal
Toronto
The unemployment rate in Canada, as a whole, is 5.5%, but the rate in the city of Toronto is 6.2%, putting it above the average for the country.
Although it has been falling consistently throughout the past year, this rate hasn’t been steady for a considerable time. It normally falls somewhere in the region of the low fives to the middle sevens.
The comparatively high percentage can be attributed to several factors, the most prominent of which are immigration and the presence of young individuals with lofty goals. Even though Toronto is seen as a desirable area to settle down and build a career, many immigrants find it challenging to find work in the city.
Because so many people are interested in moving to Toronto, the city’s job market is becoming increasingly competitive. It is one of the downsides to Toronto’s success, but only to a certain level.
Montreal
With an unemployment rate of 4.7%, the job market in Montreal is performing marginally better than the national average. Not only is this much lower than the national average, but it has also levelled off.
According to the statistics, job seekers in Montreal have a significantly better chance of finding work quickly than their counterparts in Toronto, which is fantastic news for those individuals.
If you want a job in Montreal, one of the most important things to remember is that you must speak French. The first thing you should do when you arrive in Montreal is to learn the language if you don’t already know it. Otherwise, you might expect it to be simple to find work once you get there.
City Weather in Toronto vs Montreal
Toronto
Because you will spend at least half the year in Toronto suffering extremely cold weather, you will need thick skin and a lot of gear if you want to live there (below use, on average).
Remember that Toronto is one of Canada’s windiest cities, which can make the winter winds relentless. However, the good news is that the remainder of the year will be much more comfortable, with average temperature above twenty degrees or twenty-five degrees in the summer.
Montreal
Even though spring and fall bring some relief from the chilly weather, you should still plan on temperatures ranging from two to fifteen degrees below average regularly.
After the change of seasons, Montreal suffers three months of daily highs of approximately twenty-six degrees and high humidity on most days due to a lack of crosswinds. It causes Montreal’s summers to tend to be extremely hot and humid.
Adjusting to the extremes of heat and cold that occur over extended periods could require a little bit of time at first.
Toronto vs Montreal: Practiced Culture
It is reasonable to anticipate considerable cultural differences between Ottawa and Montreal, given that Montreal is commonly regarded as the French capital of Canada.
The way of everyday life in Toronto is more up-to-date and representative of the way people live in North America, but the way people live in Montreal is more European.
In contrast to Toronto, where everyone appears to be in a rush or has their career as the central focus of their existence, residents of Montreal place a greater emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the city has a more artistic atmosphere, and they are generally more laid back parks most residents of other large cities.
If you’re looking for a Canadian city that’s always busy and full of activity, Toronto is the perfect destination.
Cleanliness: Best Place To Live
According to government projections, cigarette butts will account for 30% of all garbage in Montréal by 2020. However, as a result of the pandemic, littering rose in Toronto. Gum, cigarette butts, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are the three most common types of street litter (masks and gloves).
We recommend that anyone considering relocating to Toronto or Montréal recycle as much as possible and assist in any ongoing cleanup programmes.
Quality of Air:
Despite the fact that PM2.5 levels in Ottawa are relatively low (10 g/m3 on average in 2019), winter air quality is poor due to the increased use of environmentally hazardous heating solutions. The 2021 review of the city’s air quality describes Montréal’s progress since then.
However, Toronto’s 2019 PM2.5 average of 7.4 g/m3 was comfortably within the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline. It’s an outstanding accomplishment for such a densely populated area, and it ranks the city among the cleanest in the world.
Pollution:
Air pollution has a substantial impact on the health of Toronto residents, resulting in an estimated 280 deaths and 1,090 hospitalizations each year, mostly due to traffic, industrial sources, residential and commercial sources, and off-road mobility sources.
Lockdowns wreaked havoc on various sectors of the economy, notably the shipping and construction industries, as predicted. With only seven days of haze forecast between March and December 2020, the number of days in Montréal with a good air quality index has grown significantly.
Greenery:
Living in Montréal is like having access to beautiful parks and good urban squares because of the city’s lengthy history and exceptional understanding of urban architecture. The Laurentians and Eastern Townships serve as outdoor playground all year because they are so near to the city.
Mount Royal, Parc La Fontaine, Jarry Park, Parc Maisonneuve, and Parc Jean-Drapeau are just a few of the parks suitable for a nature stroll. Furthermore, three of the world’s best squares, each with a unique design and rich vegetation, can be located in the heart of Square Saint-Louis, Victoria, and Dorchester.
Nevertheless, there are several parks in Toronto (1,500 to be exact). Although there are other more parks around that are equally, if not more, intriguing, High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and Bluffer’s Park are among the most well-known. Visits to the Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto Music Garden, and Toronto Sculpture Garden are all worthwhile.
After learning about these cleanliness conditions, I think a lot of people will seriously consider moving from Montreal to Toronto.
Top Universities to Choose in Toronto vs in Montreal
There are several domestic and foreign educational institutions from which to pick. Whether you’re an in-country Canadian student or an overseas student, you might find yourself torn between the culturally vibrant cities of Toronto and Montreal.
Which city, Toronto or Montreal, is better for students?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for when choosing a city to study and live in. Both cities have unique qualities,
Toronto and Montreal are home to prestigious universities, but these two cities couldn’t be more dissimilar. Tuition and living expenses in Montreal are lower. Compared to Montreal, Toronto has a larger population, a little more diverse population, and a significant presence in the international business community.
Both cities have strong universities that offer quality programs in fields like engineering, nursing and business. They also have a lot of opportunities for international students to get involved in volunteer work or participate in cultural events.
The most significant difference between the two cities is their size; Toronto has almost 2 million residents, while Montreal has just over 1 million, making it much smaller than its southern counterpart.
List of Top Universities in Montreal and Toronto
| Montreal | Toronto |
| Concordia University | Humber College |
| HEC Montreal | Seneca College |
| Vanier College | Centennial College |
| McGill University | Ryerson University |
| University of the Quebec | York University |
| Polytechnic University of Montreal | University of Toronto |
| Collège LaSalle | George Brown College |
Toronto vs Montreal: Things You Can Do During Your Stay
Dining along the waterfront of the beautiful Humber River is another popular activity. Toronto is always full of life because of all the festivals that occur throughout the year. As one might expect, in Canada, numerous parks and paths exist.
Enjoy a pleasant excursion at any time of day, thanks to the city’s charming cobblestone streets, winding back alleyways, and traditional French cafes. Beautiful walk-up apartment buildings, ethnically varied neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, glass luxury condo towers and delicious cuisine can all be found in this metropolis.
There are annual events throughout the city, much like those in Toronto, so there is always Something to do. Tourists from all over the world flock to old Montreal so they can partake in the city’s renowned nightlife. In addition, if you want to get away from it all, you may find many natural preserves and hiking paths beyond the city limits.
- Concerts and Theatre
In their North American tours, the most famous theatre and music performers stop in Toronto. More little dance, theatre, and music studios are also available. The Distillery District is also home to the city’s most extensive entertainment venues.
On the other hand, Montreal is home to a wide variety of theatres, including the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil. One of Montreal’s most well-known cultural exports is the innovative Cirque du Soleil, a contemporary take on the classic circus.
- Historic Places
Both communities benefit from their waterfront locations and offer attractive green spaces—skaters in the winter on Notre-Dame Island and the Lachine Canal in Montreal. The Royal Parks, also known in French as Parc du Mont-Royal and the Botanical Garden, are just a few parks that are accessible at that location. In Montreal, escaping the urban atmosphere is simple.
Park’s location is all across Toronto. High Park (with over 800 acres, it is Toronto’s largest park), Rosedale Ravine, and Glen Rouge Preserve are just a few. Beaches and sailing opportunities are among the many enjoyable activities available in Lake Ontario.
- Celebrations and Festivities
Due to the low cost of admission and the wide variety of entertainment options and food and goods for sale, immigrants and international students frequently attend street festivals. Festivals, both big and little, are a point of pride for both cities.
When it comes to annual events, Montreal is hard to beat. Starting the summer off right with the International Fireworks Festival is highly recommended. Afterwards, there will be a slew of Events to pick from, including jazz, film, and comedy festivities.
The Toronto International Film Festival is just one of many festivals held in the city each year. Students can also attend the second-largest Pride Festival in the world in Toronto. They may still take part in fun events like Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade outside, despite the cold weather.
- Sports
Toronto and Montreal are great cities to attend sporting events. In Canada, ice hockey dominates as the most well-liked spectator sport. On the other hand, Canadians enjoy a wide range of sports, such as
- Baseball
- Cricket
- Basketball
- Curling
- Golf
- Tennis
- Rugby
- Lacrosse
- Soccer.
Ice hockey, played by the Canadiens, is the city’s most popular sport. On the contrary, Toronto is home to special teams in virtually every North American major professional league.
The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, and the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association as a number of other professional sports teams.
Check Out These Toronto Vs Montreal Living Comparison
FAQs
What is Montreal known for?
It is Canada’s largest city, number two and is also widely considered one of the country’s most important cultural centres. The city’s appeal is partly attributed to its many universities, festivals, art and culture, historical sites, and food. This city serves as the administrative centre not only for the province of Quebec but also for all of French Canada.
Montreal has become a global icon because of its openness, economic vitality, and rich and varied cultural scene. In Montréal, people and communities come from around the world to live peacefully and understand one another.
Is Toronto French or English?
There are a lot of native French speakers and excellent French language schools in the city, making it an ideal location to acquire the language. One main reason French Canada thrives in modern Canada is the province of Quebec. The French language and culture are still strongly supported in modern-day Montreal.
The earliest permanent European residents of Canada were French. French speakers who settled in Canada had a significant impact on making the country the melting pot it is today. Since its establishment in 1642, Montreal has served as a pivotal centre for French Canadians and a cultural epicentre for all of Canada.
There is still a significant amount of French influence in the city, as most residents speak French at home. With most of the population fluent in English and French, Montreal is one of Canada’s most linguistically diverse and multicultural cities.
Final Thoughts
Although there are some similarities between the two cities and many exciting things to do and see, the cost of living and general quality of life is very different. We hope you found this guide helpful in settling on a city to call home. As was previously stated, Toronto is a cutting-edge, modern metropolis. Everything you could want or need is there.
Many things are happening quickly, and there is a lot of energy around. You’ll need to do your homework to choose the ideal place to live in Toronto, as its neighbourhoods are just as varied as the city itself.
Montrealers enjoy a more sedate pace of life than those in other cities. Although it is still a vast metropolis, you won’t ever feel like losing out because you decide to live there. Best Wishes in making the right choice for your needs.