Budgeting your big move to Montréal
While moving to a new city is an exciting time, it can be a costly one, too! Some expenses you can plan for while others may come as a surprise. But you can make your big move run a whole lot smoother by creating a budget and setting aside a little extra in case of the unexpected so you can settle into your new home stress free!
Costs to consider before you set off  Congrats on your decision to move to Montréal! You’re clearly a smart cookie. Before you set off on your new adventure, here are some key expenses to think about: 

  • Admin costs (sending documents to your future employer, immigration services, passport photos and fees, etc.) 
  • Airline tickets and transportation to the airport
  • Moving your personal belongings (transport costs, insurance, etc.) 
  • Temporary travel insurance for you and your family
  • Medical expenses and any medications you may need
Expenses to consider once you have landed
Have you thought about where you’re going to stay when you land? Will you need data on your phone shortly after your arrival? In addition don’t forget about winter clothes (a must when you move to Canada!). Planning ahead those expenses can save you some dollars. 

Here are some of the expenses to expect when you arrive: 
  • Temporary accommodation (hotel room, furnished apartment, etc.) 
  • Rental accommodation for short to long term 
  • Furniture, appliances and household items (kitchenware, tableware, bedding, etc.) 
  • Electricity/heating for your new home 
  • Car or public transport costs 
  • Cell phone bill 
  • Insurance - health, home, car, personal, etc. 
  • Clothing (we strongly recommend buying your winter clothes when you arrive in Québec, and not before) 
  • Child-related costs - daycare fees, activities, school supplies, etc.
Budgeting is the best Living expenses must also be added to your overall list of costs. To keep your finances on track, the financial institution Desjardins recommends you take stock of your monthly income and expenses by making a budget. Take advantage of Desjardins’ package for newcomers and get a head start!
Don’t forget to factor in taxes
Quebecers are pros at calculating 15 percent on the spot! Here, the final price is rarely the one that appears on the price tag or the menu. For the sake of transparency, the prices of everyday consumer goods are shown before taxes, which are added later when it’s time to pay. To figure out the final amount, add around 15 percent to your bill (14.985 percent to be exact), which is the total amount of sales tax for Québec and Canada combined.
Because they’re a necessity, most basic foods are sold without taxes added. Some other expenses that aren’t taxed include certain prescription drugs, medical devices, personal care products and public transit services.
When you eat out at a restaurant, keep in mind that your final bill will include sales taxes (around 15 percent of the total price). The service charge is rarely included on the bill, in which case you will need to add a 15 percent tip (the same as the sales tax) or more if you’re happy with the service and are feeling generous!
Greater Montréal is known as an affordable place to live, with a lower cost of living than most major cities in Canada and the U.S.
Live well for less
Wondering how much a litre of milk will set you back? You can find up-to-date costs for most everyday items on this helpful  Numbeo website. 
Compare the cost of living, from your city to here
Prices can change, rates often fluctuate and trying to figure out currency exchanges can get pretty challenging! Created specifically for newcomers, Talent Montréal’s interactive cost of living comparison tool has all the up-to-the-minute answers you’re looking for.
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