Moving From Montreal to Toronto

Toronto is a haven of opportunities with a lot going for it. As the most populous city in Canada and one of the largest cities in North America, Toronto's 'Queen City' nickname is well earned. Montreal may not be a small feat either, especially when you consider the affordable cost of living, but if you are moving to Toronto, then the upgrade is worth every extra dollar you spend.

Did someone refer to Toronto as The Big Smoke? We don't think it's a big smoke anymore. From being a multicultural giant and an economic hub with world-class amenities and infrastructure, the Ontario capital is a great place to live.

Located 335 miles (541 kilometers) from Montreal, relocating to Queen City can take you 5.5 hours along the Ontario Highway 401. If you are ready to become part of this dynamic metropolis with a rare blend of unique and exciting features, we’re here to help.

Here’s what you need to know before moving to Toronto:

Benefits of Moving From Montreal to Toronto

When comparing the cost of living in Montreal vs. Toronto, you’ll find Toronto to be relatively higher. If you are moving to Toronto for employment, the salaries are typically higher than in the City of Saints, which helps offset the higher costs to some extent.

Reports have named Toronto the fastest-growing region in Canada and the U.S. in terms of population. So, why are people moving to Toronto? What do you stand to benefit by making Queen City your new home? Let's look at a few benefits of relocating to Toronto.

It's a Multicultural City: There are a few places you can relocate to and immediately fit in. True to its motto 'Diversity our Strength', Toronto is the most diverse city globally. Half of its population is non-Canadian by birth, which explains why there are over 140 languages spoken in the city. Thanks to this unique trait, Toronto is a place where you have the freedom to be yourself and the privilege to belong.
Toronto is Safe: Indeed, Toronto has a rare blend of unique features. Despite being populous and culturally diverse, The Economist's Safe Cities Index, fourth edition, ranked Toronto as the second safest city in the world.
Queen City is an Economic Powerhouse: Toronto holds amazing opportunities for job seekers and entrepreneurs alike. With top industries flooding the economy–financial services, fashion, technology, food services, arts, design, education, etc.–finding a good job is much easier. The city also prides itself as Canada's leading start-up hub, thanks to the various opportunities available for budding entrepreneurs. Whether you plan to start a business or build your career, Toronto is an ideal destination.
Toronto is Environmentally Friendly: It's rare to mention city life and environmental friendliness in one statement. But Toronto combines both with the availability of clean and quality drinking water and lots of green spaces around the city. No wonder the city leads in environmental security. Perhaps the reason behind this positive quality is that the city experiences all four seasons–snowy winters, wet springs, hot summers, and cool autumns. With lots of green spaces dotting the open capital spaces, you can enjoy relaxing moments right within the city.
It has a Plethora of Recreational Opportunities: It's populous, busy, and business-centric, but Toronto scores equally high when it comes to recreational opportunities. With sporting activities (skiing, golfing, kayaking) around the year, you can never get bored in the city. If you love cycling, then Toronto has you covered, thanks to the bicycle tracks present around the city. And whenever you want to relax with a warm meal or cool drinks with friends, the city boasts of world-class restaurants offering a variety of incredible cuisines from around the world.
Toronto is One of the Best 100 Cities in the World: A recent Resonance Consultancy report on the world's best cities ranked Toronto as the 18th best city worldwide out of the 100 cities considered in the study. Essentially, moving to Toronto grants you an opportunity to enjoy one of the best city life experiences in the world.

Cost of moving from Montreal to Toronto

Moving from Montreal to Toronto can cost between 2,000 and 7,000 Canadian dollars. Sometimes the cost may go higher depending on the number and size of possessions you plan to move and the means used.

If you opt for a full service, including packing and unpacking, you may end up paying more as opposed to renting a truck and doing the packing and unpacking by yourself. Other factors might affect the price, depending on your unique circumstances. The best way to find out how much the relocation will cost you is by requesting a free quote.

How to move from Montreal to Toronto

Moving, especially a long-distance move, can be stressful. Choosing the right option is essential to make the relocation as stress-free as possible. In most cases, you may have at least a few options to choose from – rent a moving container/moving truck, or hire full-service professional movers.

However, each of the choices has its pros and cons. For instance, a moving container may be more convenient since you pack at your own leisure. But you have to pack yourself, which can be quite a hassle.

On the other hand, if you opt for a full-service move, you get to enjoy many benefits, such as having the packing and unpacking done for you, including sourcing for moving supplies. However, you have to meet the additional expense of paying for the services, and you also have less control over your move.

But generally, hiring professional movers takes away much of the relocation stress, and we recommend it. At North American Van Lines, we help minimize your moving challenges as much as possible by helping you craft and execute a custom moving plan that addresses all your moving needs.

We can help you relocate in the most convenient way possible, facilitating the safe movement of all your belongings to Toronto.

What Is Toronto Known For?

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is the capital of Ontario. The city has everything you may need as a resident: a vibrant culinary scene, professional sports, diverse neighborhoods and close proximity to nature. You can spend your weekends discovering new places to eat in Chinatown, Little Italy and Kensington Market. If you enjoy sports, catch a baseball game to watch the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre or the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Outside of the fun-filled attractions and great food, Toronto also has a thriving tech, financial and healthcare job market.

No matter what part of the city you decide to call home, you’ll never grow bored in a vibrant city like Toronto.

Best Neighborhoods to live in Toronto

There are many great neighborhoods throughout Toronto to consider relocating to. Whether you want to live in a vibrant, bustling neighborhood or a family-friendly suburb, there are many great places worth exploring. Some of our favorite neighborhoods to consider include:

Yorkville: This Toronto neighborhood is known for its luxury condos and high-rise apartments. The city streets are also filled with luxury brands and five-star restaurants. This is a great part of the city for young couples and working professionals.
Kensington Market: A vibrant neighborhood, filled with great restaurants, coffee shops and vintage stores. It's a top choice for college students and recent graduates.
The Junction: If you're looking to buy a house or a condo, The Junction is a great part of the city to consider. It's an up-and-coming neighborhood filled with affordable housing, small boutique shops, and great breweries.

Climate Differences Between Montreal and Toronto

Before moving from Montreal to Toronto, take some time to explore the climate differences to ensure you're prepared for the transition. Both cities are known for their humid climate and cold winters. However, winters are harsher and longer in Montreal. While you'll still get snow in Toronto, the temperature typically doesn't drop past -6°C.

In Toronto, summers are longer, hotter and more humid. You can expect thunderstorms and muggy weather throughout the summer. You'll want to dress appropriately, since it will typically feel warmer than it actually is.

Why North American Van Lines

At North American Van Lines, we have a proven track record in moving services, boasting over 90 years of experience. We realize no two moves are the same. Hence, we provide a customized relocation solution that suits clients' specific needs. Our team is trained to prioritize safety and handle all relocations with great attention to detail.

Our services include:

Full-service packing – We handle the entire packing process
Fragile-only packing – We pack and move your fragile items with great care
Self-pack – We provide packing tips, materials, and moving supplies if you wish to handle the packing by yourself

Additional resources available:

Moving guides
Moving and storage options
Packing calculators
Room-by-room packing guides
Relocation tips
Vehicle shipping
Shipment tracking

Let Us Help You Relocate to Toronto Conveniently and Safely

Whether you opt for the self-pack option or you prefer a full service, our team at North American Van Lines would like to work with you. Generally, self-move means you do all the heavy lifting, including planning the move, renting a truck, arranging for gas, food, tolls, lodging, etc., during the move, and so forth. Engaging in our services can save you stress, time, and effort.

From planning and packing to moving and unpacking, we handle every detail so you can focus on what matters most—settling into your new home in Toronto.

When you’re ready to move, get in touch and let’s talk. And remember—requesting a quote is completely free, so that you can find out your moving costs anytime.