Newcomer Guide to Living in Montreal, Quebec

Why Newcomers Choose Montreal

Montreal is Canada's second-largest city and the largest city in the province of Quebec. It offers newcomers to Canada something no other major Canadian city can match: a high quality of life at a significantly lower cost. Rent in Montreal is 30 to 50% lower than in Toronto or Vancouver. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transit, world-class universities, and a unique blend of European and North American character.

However, Montreal comes with a critical difference that newcomers must understand: French is the official and dominant language of Quebec. While many Montrealers speak English, French is required for most jobs, government services, and daily interactions. Newcomers who invest in learning French will have far greater success in Montreal.

The French Language Reality

Before discussing neighbourhoods and costs, it is essential to understand the language situation in Quebec, as it affects every aspect of life as a newcomer.

Bill 96 and Language Laws

Quebec's language laws, including the updated Bill 96 (2022), strengthen the position of French in the province. Key impacts for newcomers include:

• Government services are provided in French. English services are available but limited in many contexts.
• Employers with 25 or more employees must operate in French as the workplace language.
• Newcomers are expected to learn French within six months to access government services in French exclusively.
• Commercial signage must be predominantly in French.

Free French Language Training

Quebec offers free French language courses (francisation) for newcomers through the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI). These full-time courses are available to permanent residents and some temporary residents, and participants may receive a financial allowance during training. Contact your local settlement agency or visit the Quebec immigration website to enroll.

CAQ and CSQ: Quebec Immigration Documents

Quebec has its own immigration processes in addition to federal immigration.

CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Quebec)

If you are coming to Quebec as a temporary worker or international student, you need a CAQ before you can apply for your federal work or study permit. The CAQ is issued by the Quebec government and confirms that Quebec has accepted your temporary stay. Apply through the Arrima portal or Quebec's immigration website. Processing times are typically 4 to 8 weeks.

CSQ (Certificat de selection du Quebec)

If you are applying for permanent residence through Quebec, you need a CSQ, which confirms Quebec has selected you as an immigrant. After receiving a CSQ, you apply to the federal government for permanent residence. This two-step process is unique to Quebec.

Montreal Neighbourhoods: Where to Live

Montreal is divided into boroughs (arrondissements), each with its own character. Here are the most popular areas for newcomers.

Cote-des-Neiges

Often called the most multicultural neighbourhood in Canada. Located near the University of Montreal, it is home to large Filipino, South Asian, Arab, African, and Latin American communities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Excellent bus connections and close to the metro (Cote-des-Neiges station on the Blue Line).

Parc-Extension

One of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Montreal and extremely diverse. Large South Asian (particularly Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan Tamil) and Greek communities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Close to Parc station (Blue and Orange Lines).

Saint-Laurent

A large borough in the northwest with significant Arab, South Asian, and African communities. More suburban with shopping centres and parks. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Bus connections to the metro system.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

A trendy, walkable neighbourhood popular with young professionals and students. Primarily francophone with a vibrant arts scene. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Well-served by the Orange Line metro and buses.

Downtown (Ville-Marie)

The city centre with condos, universities (McGill, Concordia), offices, and shopping. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,500 to $1,900 per month. Downtown is a transit hub with metro access on the Green and Orange Lines.

Saint-Leonard and Riviere-des-Prairies

Eastern boroughs with large Italian, Haitian, and Arab communities. More suburban and affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Bus connections to the metro.

Cost of Living Comparison

Montreal is the most affordable major city in Canada. Here is how monthly costs compare.

Expense	Montreal	Toronto	Vancouver	Calgary
1-Bedroom Rent	$1,200 - $1,800	$1,800 - $2,600	$2,100 - $2,800	$1,400 - $1,900
Groceries (family of 2)	$400 - $550	$500 - $800	$500 - $800	$400 - $600
Monthly Transit Pass	$97 (STM)	$156 (TTC)	$110 - $189	$112
Sales Tax	14.975% (GST+QST)	13% (HST)	12% (GST+PST)	5% (GST only)

Public Transit: STM Metro and Buses

Montreal has an excellent public transit system operated by the STM (Societe de transport de Montreal).

Metro Lines

The Montreal metro has four lines and 68 stations:

• Green Line: Runs east-west through downtown, connecting Angrignon to Honore-Beaugrand
• Orange Line: The busiest line, running from Montmorency (Laval) through downtown to Cote-Vertu
• Blue Line: Runs from Snowdon to Saint-Michel through Cote-des-Neiges and Parc-Extension
• Yellow Line: A short line connecting Berri-UQAM to Longueuil on the South Shore

Fares and OPUS Card

The STM uses the OPUS card, a reloadable fare card. A single adult trip costs $3.75, and a monthly unlimited pass costs $97.00. This is significantly cheaper than transit in Toronto or Vancouver. You can buy an OPUS card at metro stations and some pharmacies.

REM (Reseau express metropolitain)

The REM is a new automated light rail system that began service in 2024, connecting downtown Montreal to the South Shore, West Island, and YUL Montreal-Trudeau Airport. The REM uses the same OPUS card as the STM.

RAMQ: Quebec Health Insurance

Quebec's public health insurance is called RAMQ (Regie de l'assurance maladie du Quebec). RAMQ covers medically necessary doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostic tests.

How to Apply

Apply for your RAMQ card at a RAMQ office. You will need your immigration documents, proof of Quebec residency, and your passport. RAMQ coverage begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency in Quebec. During the waiting period, purchase temporary private health insurance.

Quebec Prescription Drug Insurance

Quebec is the only province that requires all residents to have prescription drug insurance. If you do not have private drug insurance through an employer, you must register for the RAMQ public prescription drug plan. The annual premium is calculated based on your income (maximum approximately $731 per adult in 2026) and is paid through your Quebec income tax return.

Job Market in Montreal

Montreal has a diverse economy with several growing sectors. French language ability significantly improves your job prospects.

Top Industries for Newcomers

• Aerospace: Montreal is the third-largest aerospace hub in the world. Companies like Bombardier, CAE, Pratt and Whitney, and Bell Textron have major operations here.
• Technology and AI: Montreal is Canada's artificial intelligence capital, home to Mila (the world's largest academic AI lab), Google Brain, Microsoft Research, and hundreds of tech startups.
• Video Games: Major studios like Ubisoft Montreal, Warner Bros. Games Montreal, and EA Montreal make the city a global hub for game development.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Large hospitals and pharmaceutical companies provide opportunities for healthcare professionals.
• Food Service and Hospitality: Montreal's vibrant restaurant and tourism scene offers immediate employment opportunities for newcomers.

Register with Emploi-Quebec for free employment services, training, and job search support.

Multicultural Communities in Montreal

Montreal is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, with deep-rooted ethnic communities.

• Haitian community: One of the largest outside Haiti, primarily in Montreal-Nord and Saint-Michel. French-speaking, with strong cultural organizations.
• Arab and North African community: Large Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, and Lebanese communities across the city, particularly in Saint-Laurent and Cote-des-Neiges.
• Latin American community: Growing communities from Mexico, Colombia, and Central America, with cultural centres and Spanish-language services.
• South Asian community: Concentrated in Parc-Extension, with Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and Indian communities and businesses.
• Italian community: One of the oldest immigrant communities, centered in Little Italy (La Petite-Italie) and Saint-Leonard.

Things to Do in Montreal

• Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal): Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and waterfront dining. Free to explore on foot.
• Mount Royal: The iconic mountain park in the heart of the city, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Free hiking trails and stunning city views.
• Montreal festivals: The city hosts world-famous festivals including the Montreal Jazz Festival (free outdoor shows), Just for Laughs, and the Festival of Lights, all with free components.
• Jean-Talon Market: One of North America's largest open-air markets, with local produce, specialty foods, and multicultural vendors.
• Montreal public libraries: The Grande Bibliotheque and 45 branch libraries offer free programs, language resources, and newcomer services.

Settlement Services in Montreal

Montreal has numerous organizations that provide free settlement services to newcomers.

• ALPA (Accueil liaison pour arrivants): Provides settlement counselling, housing assistance, and referrals. Serves newcomers in multiple languages. Call 514-987-1803.
• CARI St-Laurent: Offers francisation, employment services, and integration support. Call 514-748-2007.
• Centre social d'aide aux immigrants (CSAI): Settlement counselling, language training, and employment programs. Call 514-932-2953.
• PROMIS (Promotion, integration, societe nouvelle): Multicultural settlement services including French classes, employment support, and family programs. Call 514-345-1615.

Getting Started in Montreal

Montreal offers newcomers the most affordable cost of living of any major Canadian city, combined with a rich cultural life, excellent transit, and strong job markets in tech, aerospace, and AI. The key to success in Montreal is investing in French language skills from day one. Take advantage of the free francisation programs, connect with a settlement agency, and explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods.

WelcomeAide provides free, multilingual settlement support for newcomers across Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can help you understand Quebec immigration, RAMQ, and more in your preferred language. Learn about our mission, explore our programs, or read more newcomer guides on our blog. For essential first steps when arriving in Canada, visit our first weeks guide.