7 Things to know and do before moving from Montreal to Toronto

1. First steps before moving to Toronto

Finding a job

Finding a job in Toronto is made easier because the city has many job opportunities in diverse fields like healthcare, finance, technology, education, and creative industries. Some popular jobs include Registered Nurse, Physician, Therapist, Financial Analyst, Project Manager, Data Analyst, Customer Service, Sales Representative, Marketing Manager, Teacher, Cook, and Heavy Equipment Operator.

Toronto is a multicultural city with a strong demand for these jobs, and there is plenty of help available. You can get assistance from government programs like Employment Ontario, which offers advice and services for jobseekers in both the public and private sectors. If you’re new to the city and looking for work, you can check out Jobs at the City for current job openings. Additionally, you can use online job search websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, network with people, and get career counseling.

Getting there 

To travel from Montreal to Toronto, the quickest option is to take a direct flight from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The flight duration is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can choose VIA Rail, which offers train services from Montreal to Toronto. The train provides a comfortable and scenic way to travel but takes an average of 5.5 hours for the journey. It departs from Montréal Central Station to Toronto Union Station Train Station. You can check their schedules and book tickets online.

Another option is to select a bus journey with companies like Greyhound. Buses usually depart from the “Gare d’autocars de Montréal”, a bus terminal on Rue Berri. Alternatively, you can drive by car, and the road trip typically takes approximately 5 to 7 hours.

What are the Best Movers from Montreal to Toronto?

Moving to a larger city involves not only packing your belongings, but also ensuring their safe transport in a single trip. You can either hire moving companies specializing in Montreal to Toronto relocation to handle the entire process, or opt to rent a moving truck if you prefer a DIY approach.

Many moving companies offer comprehensive services, including full-value moving coverage, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, custom crating, short-term and long-term storage options. Most of these companies provide online tracking, allowing you to monitor the status of your items, ensuring a safe and convenient move.

It is highly recommended to select a long-distance moving company with accreditations from reputable organizations such as the Canadian Movers Association and the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, they should provide insurance coverage.

Must dos before your arrival in Toronto

• Update Your Address: Changing your address is a crucial step when moving. You can easily complete this process using our free change of address service. To ensure you don’t miss any essential information, refer to our comprehensive change of address checklist in Ontario.
• Housing Arrangements: Ensure a smooth relocation by securing temporary lodging and exploring long-term housing options.
• Cost of Living Analysis: Make informed decisions by conducting thorough research on living expenses, including housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare in advance.
• Weather Check: Review Toronto’s weather forecast and pack season-appropriate clothing, as the city has distinct seasons.

2. Upon your arrival in Toronto

Must dos right upon your arrival

• Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and make note of important emergency numbers.
• Locate essential facilities such as the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department to ensure safety during emergencies.
• Learning English is essential, and knowing some French phrases can be helpful in Toronto, where both languages are official.
• If you plan to move around the city of Toronto for work or leisure, consider purchasing a monthly transit pass to save money.

The TTC manages public transportation in Toronto, including subways, buses, and streetcars for the city and nearby areas. To ride, buy tokens or tickets at subway stations, Shoppers Drug Mart, or online at prestocard.ca. Remember, bus and streetcar drivers don’t sell fares, so have your payment ready.

The subway system in Toronto consists of three lines, with the primary ones being Line 1 (Yonge-University to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station) and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth to Kennedy Station). Trains typically run every 2–3 minutes during rush hours and every 4–5 minutes at other times.

Here are Toronto’s public transport rates:

Type of fare	Rate
Single ticket (PRESTO one-ride ticket)	$3.35
Daily pass (PRESTO day pass ticket)	$13.50
Fair pass Transit Discount	$2.10
Monthly pass	$156.00

Toronto Transit Commission (Sept 2023)

Exchanging your driver’s license

When relocating to Toronto, it’s crucial to promptly update your driver’s license and vehicle permit through ServiceOntario, ideally at least two weeks before your move. ServiceOntario offers various convenient methods for this, such as online through their website or in person at a ServiceOntario location. It’s not only a practical step but also a legal requirement to report address changes to provincial services promptly. Failing to do so could lead to potential fines.

For more detailed information, please refer to our article on how to change your address on your driver’s license in Ontario.

Setting up a bank account 

When moving from Montreal to Toronto, it’s crucial to establish a local presence by setting up a bank account. Before selecting a bank, compare institutions for the best returns, lowest administration costs, and the option to open your account remotely before arriving in Toronto. 

Some banks have a presence in both cities. To make this transition smoother, inquire in advance about how to change your home branch with the bank. You should also inform your bank of your new mailing address to receive any statements or other communications. 

To do this, visit the bank you wish to select as your new home branch. Some banks with a presence in both cities include the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

Getting health insurance

Having health insurance is like having a safety cushion for your health, preventing you from being burdened with significant bills during medical emergencies. If you live in Toronto, it’s important to be aware of Ontario’s public health insurance (OHIP), which covers basic medical expenses through payroll taxes and federal support to its residents. 

However, for more comprehensive coverage, you have two options: you can choose to purchase private health insurance or use the one sponsored by your employer. The cost and coverage of private health insurance depend on several factors, including your age, gender, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, specific coverages, and the chosen provider.

Type of healthcare	Cost
Employer-sponsored health insurance	$63.00
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest)	$61.32-$196.20
Gym	$72.73

Numbeo (Sept 2023), Hellosafe (2023) & Insurance Business (Apr 2023)

 3. Best places to live in Toronto

Toronto has many neighborhoods, each with its own unique qualities. When you’re deciding where to live in Toronto, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, commute to work, and the lifestyle you desire. By carefully weighing these factors, you can find the neighborhood that’s just right for you. 

To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods to consider when moving around Toronto.

City	Characteristics
Yonge-Eglinton	Vibrant hub for young professionals with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transport.
Liberty Village	Trendy neighborhood with modernized factories now housing cafes, bars, and startups in media and technology.
Leslieville	Family-friendly oasis with vintage shops and boutiques.
Allenby	Kid-friendly area near Allenby Public School with green spaces and recreational options.

Setting up home services 

Whether you own a house or rent in Toronto, utility costs are a part of your budget. Toronto’s electricity and gas services are primarily provided by Toronto Hydro and Enbridge Gas. To ensure you’re getting the best rates, consider shopping around for competitive providers and plans to save on home services.

 Keep in mind that electricity rates in Toronto can vary depending on the season, so exploring time-of-use pricing can help you save on your energy bills. Additionally, when managing your expenses, don’t forget to consider finding the best internet providers in Toronto. 

Utilities	Cost
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	$208.67
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	$76.09
Total	$284.76

Numbeo (Sept 2023) & OEB (2023)

Should you rent or buy?

In 2023, the average cost of a house in Toronto is approximately $1,141,400. If you’re thinking about renting, a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center will be around $2,280.60, which is notably higher than Montreal’s average rental costs.

Montreal is often celebrated for its affordability when it comes to housing in comparison to Toronto. However, it’s essential to recognize that while Toronto may have a higher cost of living, it offers unique advantages that might make the investment worthwhile. Toronto boasts a robust job market with numerous opportunities across various industries, which can lead to higher earning potential. 

Cost of rent in Toronto

Area/Neighborhood	1-bed apartment	3-bed apartment
Toronto (Outside of Center)	$2,280.60	$3,434.43

Numbeo (Sept 2023)

Cost of buying a property in Toronto

Area/Neighborhood	Average home price
Greater Toronto*	$1,141,400

CREA (Aug 2023)

Do I need to hire a Notary or a Real Estate Lawyer when buying a house or condo in Toronto?

In Toronto and throughout Ontario, it is essential to hire a Real Estate Lawyer, not a Notary, when purchasing a house or condo. Typically, a Real Estate Lawyer initiates the preparation of property documents. If you and the lawyer are in the same geographic area, you would sign the documents in their presence. Otherwise, the lawyer may arrange for you to sign the documents in the presence of a Notary Public. Notary Public witness your signature, verify your identity, and administer necessary oaths, but they are not the sole preparers of your property documents.

4. Cost of living in Montreal vs. Toronto

Toronto’s cost of living

Category	Monthly cost
1 bed apt rent outside city center	$2,280.60
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($88.59 multiplied by 4)	$354.36
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage	$208.67
Internet with 60 Mbps	$76.09
Transit pass	$156.00
Entertainment  Meal, taxi, movie	$104.00
Gym membership	$72.73
Total	$3,252.45

Numbeo (Sept 2023)

Montreal’s cost of living

Category	Monthly cost
1 bed apt rent outside city center	$1,221.81
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($82.64 multiplied by 4)	$330.56
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage	$110.21
Internet with 60 Mbps	$59.54
Transit pass	$97.00
Entertainment  Meal, taxi, movie	$116.75
Gym membership	$41.14
Total	$1,977.01

Numbeo (Sept 2023)

5. The weather in Toronto

The city of Toronto experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, each with its own unique weather conditions. Summers, which extend from June to August, offer a variety of outdoor and cultural activities to enjoy, including relaxation on the urban beaches. The weather during this period can be warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C, with July and August being the warmest months.

Winters, spanning from December to February, are cold, often wet, icy, and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, though not as severe as in Montreal. Icy conditions are common, making Toronto a popular destination for winter activities like skating.

Toronto’s weather can be quite changeable and occasionally extreme, so it’s a good idea to check the local forecast when planning your visit or move.

6. What to do as a local in Toronto

As a local in vibrant Toronto, you’ll find a wide array of activities to enjoy. Sports enthusiasts can cheer for the local teams – the Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beautiful waterfront, parks, and trails. 

Food lovers can enjoy diverse culinary delights in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Koreatown and Little Italy. Culture enthusiasts can visit museums like the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, and enjoy live music and theater at venues. Toronto’s annual festivals, including TIFF, Pride Toronto, and Nuit Blanche, offer a taste of the city’s rich cultural diversity.

7. Fun facts about Toronto

• Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over half of its population born outside of Canada.
• The CN Tower, which was once the world’s tallest freestanding structure, is one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks.
• The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum and is known for its impressive collection of art and natural history exhibits.
• Toronto is home to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, attracting celebrities and film enthusiasts from around the globe.
• Over 180 languages and dialects are spoken in Toronto, making it one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.

The Benefits of Moving to Toronto from Montreal

• A bigger city calls for higher expenses. Toronto’s housing rates are much higher than Montreal’s. It does not look so bad until you compare the housing rates of the two cities.
• Toronto has a fast-paced type of life with busy metropolitan areas. With its European heritage, Montreal takes a slightly slower pace compared to Toronto.

Pros and Cons in Moving to Toronto from Montreal

Pros	Cons
Toronto is ideal for people who seek to work and evolve in big corporate companies, as there are many more head offices. Toronto is multiculturally diverse, so no matter what your heritage is, you can find someone who shares it.	Housing is quite expensive. If you decide to share it with someone, some apartments tend to be smaller.  You can expect congestion, traffic, and long commutes as more residents in Toronto forgo the convenience of private vehicles and use public transport instead.  Not an ideal city for camping, hiking, and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Toronto is an excellent city to move to, offering numerous career opportunities. However, alongside the excitement of relocating to a new neighborhood, you’ll face the challenging tasks of budgeting for potential expenses, finding suitable housing, comparing mobility plans, and selecting the best movers to Toronto, among other considerations. To ensure a seamless transition and a fresh start in the city, it’s essential to evaluate all aspects of your move to Ontario.