One minute you’re deciding between bubble wrap or packing peanuts, and the next, you’re trying to figure out if you should be braving the cold in Calgary or practicing your bonjour in Montreal.
So, where should you settle down?
Now that we’ve had our laughs, let’s get down to business! If you’re considering living in Calgary or Montreal, there are some key things to know before moving.
From the cost of living to job opportunities, let’s break down what each city offers!
One Calgary resident said: “I moved to Calgary because I heard it’s a ‘rocky’ place. Then I realized they were talking about the mountains, not my budget!” 😛
You are expecting someone from Montreal as well, right? Surely we managed another from Montreal resident: “Where even the road signs speak better French than I do.” 😛😛
If you’re weighing your options between Calgary vs Montreal, the cost of living will likely be a top priority. So, how do these two Canadian cities stack up against each other?
The cost of housing in Calgary and Montreal varies, and it’s slightly higher than in Montreal when you look at home prices in Calgary. According to Justin Havre Real Estate, the average price of a home in Calgary is around $553,800, while in Montreal, it’s roughly $521,600.
Both are still more affordable than Toronto and Vancouver, but keep in mind that Montreal’s housing market has been seeing some growth lately. If you’re looking for a dream Calgary home, you might pay a bit more, but the quality is fantastic.
Tip: If you’re renting, Montreal boasts slightly cheaper rents. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will cost you about $1,221.81, compared to $1,509.55 in Calgary. For families, a three-bedroom place will run about $2,386.41 in Calgary compared to $1,979.26 in Montreal.
While housing prices can be similar, utilities? Well, that’s another story. Calgary’s utilities are higher, with average monthly costs around $347.20, compared to $110.21 in Montreal.
Internet is pricier in Calgary, too, costing around $96.25 per month, while Montreal’s is only $59.54.
So, in terms of cost of living, if you’re worried about heating and keeping the lights on, Montreal may give you a bit more breathing room.
Food!
Let’s talk groceries. A gallon of milk costs $10.65 in Calgary, while it’s $10.86 in Montreal.
Slight differences, but here’s where it gets interesting: Calgary offers the cheapest beef! You can snag some of that high-quality Alberta beef for $8.96 per pound, compared to $7.94 in Montreal.
On the flip side, expect to pay more for fruits and veggies in Calgary, but the differences are small.
Dining out…A mid-range restaurant meal will set you back about $50 in Calgary and $57.50 in Montreal. However, if you’re looking for nightlife, Montreal offers an endless array of affordable dining spots, and their food scene is top-notch.
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Calgary is known for its oil and gas sector, but tech and finance are booming industries too. Meanwhile, Montreal is a hub for technology, aerospace, and education.
If you’re into digital technology or healthcare, Calgary boasts some of the highest-paying jobs in the country. From my perspective, if you’re looking for opportunities in creative industries, Montreal offers more variety.
Unemployment rates tend to be slightly higher in Montreal at around 6.1%, while Calgary hovers lower, thanks to its diverse economy. The job market growth in Calgary is promising, particularly for sectors like tech, healthcare, and energy.
But don’t count Montreal out just yet—industries like aerospace and technology are flourishing, with over 1.2 million job openings expected in the coming decade.
If you like dry, sunny weather, Calgary is generally better. You’ll get a lot of sunny days, even in the cold! Montreal, on the other hand, is known for its humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Winter in Montreal is more “Oh no, I’m stuck in a snowbank,” while Calgary is more “It’s cold but sunny, let’s go skiing!”
Calgary has the Rocky Mountains in its backyard, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s hiking in Banff, or skiing at Kananaskis, Calgary offers a lot.
But if you’re more into parks, Montreal boasts the stunning Mount Royal Park and Saint Lawrence River, which are perfect for leisurely strolls or kayaking.
Both cities offer an incredible cultural scene, with unique festivals and events happening year-round.
When it comes to universities, Calgary is home to the University of Calgary, while Montreal hosts prestigious institutions like McGill University and Université de Montréal.
Personally, I think Montreal offers more diversity in educational programs, but both cities have excellent reputations for their higher education systems.
Montreal has a strong emphasis on bilingual education, with a mix of French and English programs.
Meanwhile, if you plan to live in Calgary, the school system is predominantly in English, with some French immersion programs available.
When comparing public transportation in Calgary vs. Montreal, the systems are similar but distinct. Calgary Transit features buses and the C-Train, with fares around $112 a month.
On the other hand, Montreal’s STM offers cheaper fares at $97 per month, with its metro and bus system reaching more areas.
If you’re into biking, Montreal has the fantastic Bixi bike-sharing program, while Calgary boasts over 1,000 km of cycling paths.
Owning a car in Calgary is more common due to its sprawling layout. But if you’re a fan of walking and public transit, Montreal offers more pedestrian-friendly spaces, particularly in downtown Montreal.
Commute times are about the same, but traffic tends to be lighter in Calgary.
Let’s talk taxes. Calgary has lower taxes overall. There’s no provincial sales tax, so you’ll only pay the 5% GST. In Montreal, you’re looking at 14.975% when combining the PST and GST. Income tax rates are also higher in Montreal, making Calgary generally more favorable in terms of take-home pay.
Both Calgary and Montreal offer unique experiences, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re after outdoor adventures, a strong economy, and lower taxes, Calgary is calling your name. But if you love culture, food, and don’t mind brushing up on your French, Montreal boasts a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.
The choice between Calgary vs Montreal really depends on what you prioritize—so take your time, explore your options, and make the move that feels right for you.
Until next time! 👋
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Executive Moving Concierge: The cost of living in Calgary tends to be higher compared to Montreal. Calgary offers a higher standard of living with more modern amenities, but Montréal boasts a more affordable lifestyle overall.
Executive Moving Concierge: Calgary provides numerous job opportunities, especially in the oil and gas sector, while Montreal offers diverse opportunities in technology, finance, and the arts. Both cities have thriving job markets but in different industries.
Executive Moving Concierge: Calgary has a reliable public transportation system that includes bus service and the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Montreal, on the other hand, is known for its extensive and efficient Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) network, which includes buses and a comprehensive metro system.
Executive Moving Concierge: The housing and rental markets in both cities offer unique opportunities. Calgary real estate tends to be more expensive, but the city provides more modern housing options. Montreal offers a variety of affordable housing and rental options, particularly in historic neighborhoods like Old Montréal.
Executive Moving Concierge: The cost of groceries is generally higher in Calgary compared to Montreal. Montréal offers a variety of affordable local markets and grocery stores, while Calgary tends to have higher prices for similar goods.
Executive Moving Concierge: In Calgary, popular neighborhoods include downtown Calgary, Kensington, and Beltline. In Montreal, desirable areas include downtown Montréal, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Old Montréal. Each city has neighborhoods with their own unique charm and amenities.
Executive Moving Concierge: Calgary experiences colder winters with more snowfall, but it also enjoys more sunshine throughout the year. Montreal has milder winters but can be more humid in the summer. Both cities offer distinct seasonal experiences.
Executive Moving Concierge: Calgary is known for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, offering excellent skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Montreal offers a plethora of cultural activities, festivals, and hectares of parkland and natural areas within the city.
Executive Moving Concierge: Calgary and Montreal present diverse cultural experiences. Calgary tends to have a more Western, cowboy culture, epitomized by the Calgary Stampede. Montreal offers a rich Francophone culture, with a vibrant arts scene and numerous festivals. Both cities are great cities with their own personalities.
Executive Moving Concierge: To find a local real estate agent, you can contact agencies like the Justin Havre Real Estate Team in Calgary or search for experienced agents in Montreal. A good real estate agent can help you navigate the housing market in either city.
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