Canada is a beautiful and diverse country with ten provinces and three territories. Among them, the two most populous provinces are – Ontario and Quebec. They are neighboring provinces and today we will try to assess which one is better – living in Ottawa vs. Montreal.
Ottawa and Montreal – both cities offer their language preference, culture, history, attractions, and experiences. These two cities are Canada’s most populous cities, and both offer a wealth of job opportunities for those seeking employment.
In this article, I’ll discuss the average cost of Living, Employment Opportunities, between these two cities. It’s high time to reveal the difference. Fortunately, AI-driven technology can provide accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, thus I will cover a brief of weather conditions as well.
Are you with me till the end?
Population: 1,423,000 ([Data source: Macrotrends, updated for 2022]
Area: 2,790.31 km2 (1,077.34 sq mi)
Population: 4,308,000 ([Data source: Macrotrends, updated for 2022]
Area: 431.50 km2 (166.60 sq mi)
GDP: CA$221.9 billion [2018]
GDP per capita: CA$48,289 (2022)
Website: montreal.ca/en/
Which City Fits Your Lifestyle? Yeah, it’s a burning question for anyone who wants to move to a new city.
My assumption is – you shortlisted Montreal and Ottawa from a long list. If yes, then I will mention all the details you need to consider before making your decision from skeptical confusion 🙂
When you are thinking of moving to a new city or province & as it is important to consider the financial factors before a move, you should consider salary, income, and income tax rate to cope with your lifestyle.
It is your priority to research a potential location where the salary and income tax rate will align with your need and expectation.
But, is it possible to find high-paying jobs for everyone? The answer is – NO. It varies from person to person, skill to skill. And another important thing is – Income tax rate. The income tax rate of the provinces is not the same all the time.
So, decide wisely…
My pro tip for you – Consider the average salary of the province, hourly salary, average total household income, and income tax percentage before choosing a city or province in Canada.
Have a look –
Factors | Ottawa | Montreal |
Average Salary | $64,500 (18.5% higher than average Canadian salary: $54,450) [Data source: Careerbeacon] | $50,120 (8% lower than average Canadian salary: $54,450) [Data source: Careerbeacon] |
Hourly Salary | $11.28 | $14.36 |
Average total household income (Data of 2020) | $126,700 | $85,700 |
Income Tax Rate | 5.05 – 13.16% | 15 – 25.75% |
If you are a resident of Montreal, you need to pay a 3 times higher percentage on the first $46K income. And for all the income tax brackets, Ottawa’s policy is a lower tax rate than Montreal’s.
Therefore, for income tax brackets & rates, Ottawa is the winner.
The following table will show you the comparison of Ottawa (Ontario Province) and Montreal (Québec Province) tax brackets and rates for the 2022 tax year –
Ottawa (Ontario Province) | Montreal (Québec Province) | ||
Brackets | Rates | Brackets | Rates |
On the first $46,226 of taxable income, + | 5.05% | On the first $46,295 of taxable income, + | 15% |
On the next $46,228, + | 9.15% | On the next $46,285, + | 20% |
On the next $57,546, + | 11.16% | On the next $20,075, + | 24% |
On the next $70,000, + | 12.16% | On the next $112,655 | 25.75% |
On the amount over $220,000 | 13.16% | ||
FYI – Income Tax brackets and rates information is collected from the Canadian Govt. website (www.canada.ca)
Living cost comparison among Ottawa and Montreal will be the eye opener section for budget people. Cause, there is no significant difference.
And the most important thing – the following data could be higher/lower than your living standard. Please keep this in mind.
Factors | The average cost in Ottawa | Average cost in Montreal |
The average cost of living | $3,200 – 3500/month | $2,500 – 3300 month |
Housing | $1200 – 2700 (For Renter) $1500 – 2500 (For Homeowner) | $1,000 – 2000(For Renter) $1200 – 2500 (For Homeowner) |
Transportation | $200 – 350 (Public transit) $350 – 500 (Using Car) | $200 – 325 (Public transit) $500 – 700 (Using Car) |
Groceries | $400 – 600 | $350 – 700 |
Utilities | $150 – 190 | $100 – 150 |
Leisure & Entertainment | $180 – 235 | $100 – 300 |
Clothing | $50 – 100 | $50 – 100 |
Restaurants | $250 – 350 | $200 – 370 |
Other | $120 – 150 | $120 – 150 |
About Ottawa
You can find a broad array of employment and business opportunities. For your convenience, I would like to share the major industries/Employment Sectors of Ottawa. Public sector employment makes up roughly one-third of Ottawa’s economy. Federal government jobs, public health, and education sectors, etc.
The IT industry, healthcare sector, and engineering sector are also growing rapidly, providing excellent employment and business opportunities
About Montreal
Montreal residents are waiting for you to pass this message – Whether you’re looking to start a new business or expand your existing operations, you’ll find endless possibilities and resources right here in Montreal.
Major industries/Employment Sectors of Montreal: Textile and Apparel Manufacturing, Electronic goods, Aerospace, Software Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Telecommunications, Tourism, etc.
10 Major Attractions/Landmarks of Ottawa are listed below –
10 Major Attractions/Landmarks of Montreal Are listed below –
Knowing the weather before the moving DECISION, itself is a wise decision. Isn’t it?
The weather is one of the most important factors to consider when moving to a new city in Canada. Some people are very sensitive to weather. Slight changes in temperature may affect your whole day or EVEN a WHOLE SEASON!!! 😟
So, be informed.
Month | Ottawa | Montreal | ||||
High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain | |
January | -6 | -14 | 10 days | -4 | -12 | 11 days |
February | -4 | -13 | 8 days | -3 | -11 | 10 days |
March | 2 | -7 | 8 days | 2 | -6 | 11 days |
April | 11 | 1 | 9 days | 9 | 1 | 10 days |
May | 19 | 8 | 10 days | 17 | 8 | 10 days |
June | 24 | 13 | 9 days | 24 | 15 | 10 days |
July | 27 | 16 | 9 days | 26 | 18 | 10 days |
August | 25 | 15 | 8 days | 26 | 17 | 9 days |
September | 21 | 10 | 9 days | 21 | 13 | 9 days |
October | 13 | 4 | 10 days | 13 | 6 | 10 days |
November | 5 | -2 | 9 days | 6 | 0 | 10 days |
December | -2 | -10 | 10 days | -1 | -8 | 13 days |
The average cost of living in Ottawa is higher than in Montreal. So, keep in mind about this major factor. I don’t have any problem with that level of living cost. So, I will go to Ottawa.
Both cities have opportunities. But, personally, I like to spend more time around a river, memorial, and museums. If you have the same taste, I would recommend you Ottawa.
There are no significant changes in temperature among these 2 cities. So, from my end… No issues with that.
Check the 5 Best Commercial Movers Ottawa here and 3 Best Moving Companies in Ottawa to Choose from for your condo, apartment, home or office move here.
Hope you have no confusion about living in Ottawa vs. Montreal. I was here to assist you with the information. My job – Done.
Bonus tip: Discuss with your family members before making your final decision. Using 📱 or ☎️ or 💻.
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Goodbye for now!
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