Thinking about relocating to Montreal? Before you commit, here’s what you need to know before you leave Toronto for good. From affordability to climate, and especially taxes, here’s all the pros and cons of making the switch!
As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Montreal is well known for it’s rich culture and architecture, and you would be hard pressed to find a visitor that hasn’t had a great night out on the town here! But beyond the fantastic culture and vibrant night life, one of Montreal’s biggest draws for new residnets is its lower cost of living.
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Housing is actually 20%–40% more affordable here than in cities like Toronto, thanks largely to compact apartment living, population, and city planning. Transportation and post-secondary education costs are also more budget-friendly in Montreal, so it’s no wonder, many students and young professionals are thinking about making the move.
Montreal is also known for its bilingualism, but French is still the official language, and while you can get by speaking only English, learning some basic French will enhance your experience and integration into the community. Ask any longer term resident here and they will likely deem it imperative!
From a purely real estate perspective, Quebec also requires all legal documents, including the deed of sale, to be in French. Moreover, Quebec follows a civil law system, relying on notaries for property transactions, as opposed to Ontario where the common law system and Torrens system are used for property records. All that to say, that if you aren’t proficient in the French language, and making the move to Montreal, you’ll certainly want to work with both a real estate agent and lawyer you can translate for you.
Thinking about moving to Toronto? Here are a few more posts you might find helpful:
- The Ultimate Guide to Moving Across the Country
- What are the Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto?
- What to Ask Yourself Before Moving to Toronto
Land Transfer & Property Taxes: Montreal vs. Toronto
Both provinces charge land transfer taxes (LTT) when you buy property—but Montreal adds slightly more layers and has its own municipal rates. And although Montreal transfer taxes are lower overall, you won’t find any rebates here for first time home buyers.
Here’s how the two cities compare on the purchase of a $700,000 property.
Toronto (Ontario):
Ontario applies both provincial and municipal land transfer taxes in Toronto. The rates are calculated in brackets.
Land Transfer Tax on a $700,000 Home in Toronto
Provincial + Municipal:
| Price Bracket | Rate (Each) | Combined Tax |
|---|---|---|
| First $55,000 | 0.5% | $275 (x2) = $550 |
| $55,000.01 – $250,000 | 1.0% | $1,950 (x2) = $3,900 |
| $250,000.01 – $400,000 | 1.5% | $2,250 (x2) = $4,500 |
| $400,000.01 – $700,000 | 2.0% | $6,000 (x2) = $12,000 |
Total Land Transfer Tax (Toronto): $20,950
With First Time Home Buyers Rebate: $12,475
Montreal (Quebec):
Montreal’s “Welcome Tax” (land transfer tax) applies at the provincial level, with higher municipal rates kicking in at larger amounts.
Land Transfer Tax on a $700,000 Home in Montreal
| Price Bracket | Rate | Tax Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First $61,500 | 0.5% | $307.50 |
| $61,500.01 – $307,800 | 1.0% | $2,463.00 |
| $307,800.01 – $552,300 | 1.5% | $3,667.50 |
| $552,300.01 – $700,000 | 2.0% | $5,908.00 |
Total Land Transfer Tax (Montreal): $9,392.00
Climate: Montreal is Colder, but Summers Sizzle
You’ll want to pack your parka if you’re planning to be moving in January. Montreal experiences colder winters than Toronto, with January temperatures often well below -10°C. Montreal also experiences more drastic temperature changes, especially in spring and fall, but tends to have slightly warmer temperatures overall and Summers are hot!
- Montreal Winters: Expect lows around -14°C in January and heavy snowfall.
- Toronto Winters: Slightly milder at -10°C to -5°C.
- Summer: Both cities warm up, with Montreal averaging highs around 26°C–30°C.
Planning your next move? Toronto Realty Group offers comprehensive relocating services to help make your move as stress-free and seamless as possible. Learn more about our relocating expertise here.
Transit and Lifestyle
Similar to Toronto, Montreal has distinctly different neighborhoods which are necessary to explore before finding the best fit for your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. That said, whatever part of the city you are looking at, Montreal is ideal for active commuting, with over 87% of its residents living near transit and a combined 870 km of bike lanes.
Should I Make the Move?
As Toronto Realty Group, we will of course always have our bias, but we understand that Toronto isn’t for everyone. So, if you’re prioritizing affordability, lifestyle, and culture, and you’re open to using (or learning) French, Montreal offers an exciting and livable alternative to Toronto. Just remember: bundle up in winter and make sure you have knowledgeable and bilingual representation if you are house hunting!
Learn more about our relocation services right here. You can also get in touch directly via the form on this page or by calling 416.642.2660 or emailing admin@torontorealtygroup.com today.
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