Living in the Suburbs or Montreal: Comparative Guide for Newcomers

When considering settling in Canada, choosing between living in the suburbs or in Montreal city is an important decision that will influence your daily life. Here's a practical guide to help you make the right choice based on your priorities.

Cost of Living: Budget and Monthly Expenses

In the City (Montreal)

• Rent: Rents in Montreal vary significantly by neighborhood. In 2024, a two-bedroom apartment costs on average between $1,200 and $1,800 per month in central neighborhoods like Plateau or Rosemont. More affordable areas like Hochelaga-Maisonneuve offer options around $1,000 to $1,400.
• Transportation: The STM public transit network (metro and bus) is efficient and costs approximately $97 per month for a monthly pass. You can often do without a car, which represents significant savings on gas, insurance, and maintenance.
• Taxes: Municipal taxes are generally included in rent for tenants, but property owners pay higher property taxes than in the suburbs.

In the Suburbs (Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, South Shore)

• Rent: Rents are generally 15 to 30% lower than in Montreal. A two-bedroom apartment costs between $900 and $1,400 depending on location. You often get more space for your money.
• Transportation: A car becomes almost essential in the suburbs. Budget approximately $300 to $500 per month for gas, insurance, and maintenance. Some suburbs are well served by commuter trains (exo), but frequency is lower than in the city.
• Taxes: Municipal taxes are generally lower than in Montreal, but vary by municipality.

Access to Services: Daily Conveniences

In the City (Montreal)

• Schools and Daycare: Wide choice of public and private schools, French immersion programs available. Daycare spots are limited throughout Quebec, but urban density offers more options.
• Healthcare: Access to numerous hospitals, clinics, and CLSCs. Wait times can be long, but proximity makes travel easier.
• Shopping: Everything within reach: grocery stores, restaurants, local shops accessible on foot or by public transit. Multicultural neighborhoods with varied ethnic groceries.

In the Suburbs

• Schools and Daycare: Good public schools, often with less crowded classes than in the city. Schools are generally accessible by school bus.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics available, but sometimes farther away. You need to plan for car travel.
• Shopping: Shopping centers and big-box stores easily accessible by car. Fewer local shops within walking distance, but free and abundant parking.

Quality of Life: Space and Atmosphere

In the City (Montreal)

• Space: Smaller apartments, but lively neighborhoods with parks, festivals, and intense cultural life.
• Atmosphere: Dynamic urban life, cultural diversity, numerous events. Ideal for those who love activity and proximity to everything.
• Noise: More urban noise (traffic, neighbors, construction). Nights can be less quiet.
• Integration: Facilitates meetings and integration thanks to diversity and numerous community activities.

In the Suburbs

• Space: More spacious housing, often with yard or balcony. More space for children and pets.
• Atmosphere: Tranquility, calmer neighborhood life, family-oriented. Perfect for those seeking peace.
• Noise: Much quieter environment, ideal for resting.
• Integration: More established communities, may require more effort to meet people. Community activities exist but are less numerous.

Practical Tips for Choosing

Choose the city if:

• You don't have a car or don't want to buy one
• You work downtown or in an area well served by metro
• You enjoy cultural life, outings, and urban activity
• You want to facilitate your integration and practice French daily

Choose the suburbs if:

• You have a family and are looking for more space
• You already own a car or plan to buy one
• You prefer tranquility and a calmer pace of life
• Your job is located in the suburbs or you work remotely

There's no wrong choice: it all depends on your priorities, family situation, and lifestyle. Many newcomers start in the city to facilitate their integration, then move to the suburbs once established. Others make the opposite choice. The important thing is to choose what best fits your current needs.