Choosing between living Montréal and Toronto sets two of the most well-known cities in Canada against one another. With that in mind, we realize how tough it is to choose between Montreal vs Toronto to live in 2023 since they each have their own distinct features and are stunningly gorgeous. Is Montreal better than Toronto, or not?
Where Should You Live in 2023: Montreal or Toronto?
To put your mind at ease, we’ll compare living in Montréal vs Toronto in this post, and maybe help you settle your internal conflict once and for all. We have all the information you need whether you are searching for a temporary or permanent transfer.
Now let’s experience between Montreal vs Toronto!
Population
Toronto is Canada’s largest city in the province of Ontario. According to the latest recent estimates from 2021, the Toronto metropolitan region has a population of over 6.2 million Canadians out of a total population of over 37 million. In comparison, the city of Montréal has a population of 1.7 million people, while the wider Montréal area has a population of 4.3 million.
According to the 2016 census, Montréal, like the rest of Quebec, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including North Americans (48%) and Canadians (1,755,635), Europeans (42%), and Africans (8%). In comparison, the bulk of Toronto inhabitants are of European (46%), Asian (41%), and North American (15%) heritage, with 746,965 being Canadian.
Greenery
Montréal life comes with conveniently accessible lush parks and elegant urban squares due to its considerably longer history and superb sense of urban architecture. The Laurentians and the Eastern Townships are only a short drive away, making the city an outdoor playground all year.
For a walk in the woods, visit Mount Royal, Parc La Fontaine, Jarry Park, Parc Maisonneuve, or Parc Jean-Drapeau. In addition, Square Saint-Louis, Victoria Square, and Dorchester Square are all outstanding squares with lovely green scenery.
Toronto boasts many parks – 1,500 to be exact! While many visit well-known parks like High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, or Bluffer’s Park, there are smaller, frequently ignored, and more intriguing spots. Some examples are the Toronto Music Garden, the Toronto Sculpture Garden, and the Evergreen Brick Works.
After studying these data, between Montreal vs Toronto in 2022, I believe many individuals will consider relocating from Montréal to Toronto!
Climate and Weather
Canada’s climate is varied and may vary greatly from area to region. For example, Canada’s Pacific coast is generally moderate throughout the year, whereas extremes are more typical in the country’s middle west (cold winters and warm summers). Indeed, because air masses pick up water vapor, Ontario and Quebec get more rain than the interior prairies. Montreal vs Toronto 2022, which one better?
Montréal
So, what makes Montréal famous? Well, partially because of its beautiful summers and various festivals and events (remember Cirque du Soleil?). This is because the average maximum temperature in the summer is 26°C. As a result, the main tourist season runs from June through September. However, the sun is followed by snow, with winter temperatures reaching -12°C.
Toronto
Similarly, Toronto is an ideal spot to live, with moderate summer temperatures averaging 25°C and winter temperatures averaging a low of ‘only’ -7°C. So, I think there aren’t any substantial distinctions between the two cities’ climates, and you can’t go wrong with any option here!
Tourists
In terms of the amount of tourists that visit each year, Toronto has 27.5 million visitors, whereas Montréal has 11.1 million in 2019 but only 2.75 million due to the pandemic in 2020.
We can all agree that now that the epidemic has passed, we’re all itching to get out there. You can bet that Canada is eager to welcome back its visitors, with some organizations working to revitalize Canadian tourism.
So, what you choose: Montreal vs Toronto 2022?
Freshness
Cigarette butts accounted for 30% of trash visible on municipal streets and sidewalks in 2020, according to the city of Montréal. In Toronto, however, trash has increased due to the epidemic. Gum, cigarette butts, and personal protection equipment are the most prevalent litter items discovered on the streets (masks and gloves).
If you’re considering moving to Toronto or Montréal, we recommend recycling and participating in cleanup efforts.
Air Purification
Despite having an average PM2.5 concentration of 10 g/m3 in 2019, Montréal usually has poor air quality throughout the winter months due to an increase in ecologically harmful heating solutions. Montréal has tried to improve its air quality since then, as stated in the 2021 air quality report.
Conversely, Toronto had a PM2.5 average of 7.4 g/m3 in 2019, which put it inside the WHO’s recommended range for optimal air quality. This is an encouraging reading for such a heavily populated metropolis, putting it among the world’s least polluted.
Montreal vs Toronto 2022, you maybe know the better air purification place!
Safety
Excellent news for all Canadians and visitors wanting to visit either city. Because of its low homicide rate, the greater Montréal region was named the safest city in 2018 among 20 of Canada’s and the United States’ major metropolitan regions. In the 2021 Safe Cities Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit rated Toronto second.
The following figures in the table indicate the city area’s crime Montreal vs Toronto index:
| City | Toronto | Montréal |
| Crime severity index (from 2020 to 2021) | 57.84 | 67.29 |
As you can see, the crime rate in Montréal is somewhat higher than in Toronto, even though the former has just been named one of Canada’s safest cities. So, no matter where you go, always travel cautiously.
Housing
So far, everything has gone swimmingly. But now it’s time to talk about the dreaded rent, housing, and utility bills. How do the living costs in Montréal vs Toronto? Toronto vs Montreal living: which one better?
Rent
Regarding typical apartment and condo rent prices in Canada, Montréal is in the center, while Toronto is somewhat higher. But exactly how pricey is Toronto? Let’s look into Average Market Rent between Montréal vs Toronto:
| Unit Size | Montréal Average Market Rent | Toronto Average Market Rent |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $821 | $1,446 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $932 | $1,703 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $1,144 | $1,961 |
| 2 bedroom townhouse | $1,027 | $1,948 |
| 3 bedroom townhouse | $1,356 | $2,029 |
Pollution
Every year, traffic, industrial sources, residential and commercial sources, and off-road mobility sources contribute to Toronto’s air pollution, which substantially impacts health and contributes to around 280 fatalities and 1,090 hospitalizations.
Lockdowns, unsurprisingly, affected key economic processes, such as transportation and construction. As a consequence, the number of days with a favorable air quality index has grown dramatically, with just seven days of haze in Montréal from March to December 2020.
So, between Montréal vs Toronto, it turns out that Toronto is nearly twice as costly, and these expenditures will almost surely climb as real estate prices rise.
Utilities
First, it is well known that no other province in Canada can compete with Québec’s power pricing. Being a resident of Montréal entails having an electricity bill of roughly $74 for a residence that uses 1000 kWh on average. As a result, the average monthly utility bill in Montréal is roughly $341, including electricity, heating, cooling, waste, water, etc.
During peak hours, however, Toronto homeowners should expect to spend roughly $134 for a 1000 kWh property. In addition, the average monthly living price in Toronto is $471.
| Utilities | Montréal Price | Toronto Price |
| Electricity | $1,036 ⎯ $2,146 | $2,380 ⎯ $4,930 |
| Water | $29.3/1000 cubic feet | $4.26/m3 ⎯ $4.48/m3 |
| Gas | ¢138.2/l ⎯ ¢196.9/l | ¢140.9/l ⎯ ¢198.9¢/l |
When rent, education, and transportation expenditures are considered, the average monthly cost of living in Toronto is $4,975, whereas it is $3,038 in Montréal. Unfortunately, until you include all utilities, you won’t get a clear sense of the cost of Toronto vs Montreal living.
Job Opportunities
Toronto vs Montreal living: which one is better for job opportunities?
According to the most recent Canadian census, the average yearly salary in Montréal is $53,600, while it is around $59,250 in Toronto in 2020. On the other hand, the minimum wage in Montréal is $14.25 per hour, with Toronto expecting it to rise to $15.50 per hour on October 1, 2022.
Entertainment
Life should not be all work and no play. So, what is there to do in Montréal vs Toronto? Fortunately, there is a lot to choose from, so let’s get started!
Montréal’s residents know how to have a good time. Throughout the year, the city hosts various events, including film festivals, car races, dance contests, art festivals, prominent cycling races, dog sledding, and holiday celebrations. One of Montréa’s many interesting facts is that it is the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil.
As one might think, Toronto does not lack entertainment. A variety of walking tours offered to assist tourists to learn about this rapidly developing metropolis. Consider an expedition and fine dining event on the Humber River if you’re searching for something out of the usual.
Furthermore, the city hosts various film festivals (Do you remember the Toronto International Film Festival? ), carnivals, cultural festivals, and concerts. It also features a lively nightlife for those that like to party. Toronto vs. Montreal living: which one?
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