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Moving from Toronto to Montreal is one of the most common interprovincial moves in Canada. While both cities are vibrant and diverse, many people choose to live in Montreal because of its charm, European feel, and generally lower cost of living.
When you move provinces, there are several things you need to take care of, like updating your driver’s license and getting new home and car insurance policies. In this checklist, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know and do before, during, and after your move, plus give you some practical tips to make the transition as stress-free as possible.
Key takeaways
Moving from Toronto to Montreal is an exciting change, but it comes with a long list of things to do. As you plan your move, follow this checklist to help you stay organized:
Before you move:
- Create a moving budget
- Book movers early
- Arrange new home and auto insurance
- Research neighbourhoods
During/right after you move:
- Set up your Hydro-Québec account
- Update your address
After you arrive:
- Apply for RAMQ health insurance
- Exchange your Ontario driver’s licence at the SAAQ
- Register your car in Quebec
- Update your auto and home insurance policies
Before you move
Taking the time to plan ahead can make your move much smoother. Here are some key things to take care of before leaving Toronto:
Secure your new home in Montreal
Once you’ve decided to move from Toronto to Montreal, the first step is securing your new place. Whether you’re renting or buying, take the time to carefully read your lease or purchase agreement and ask lots of questions before signing.
Once everything is finalized, you’ll officially have your new Montreal address and can start planning the rest of your move.
Create a moving budget
Moving between Ontario and Quebec involves more costs than a local move. Set a budget that accounts for:
- Movers or a truck rental
- Packing supplies
- Deposits or first month’s rent
- New furniture or appliances
- Temporary accommodation (if needed)
- The time of year (prices are higher around July 1st, Quebec’s “Moving Day”)
- The exact distance and size of your move
Montreal is generally more affordable than Toronto, especially when it comes to housing. Depending on the neighbourhood you choose, you’ll likely find noticeably lower rent, which can give your overall moving budget a bit more breathing room compared to relocating within Toronto.
For example, as of March 2026, average rent prices in Montreal are 35.4% lower than in Toronto.
Book movers or rent a truck early
Movers can book up quickly, especially around July 1st. If you’re planning to move around that time, try to schedule movers at least 4-8 weeks in advance. But if you’re flexible with timing, moving outside peak season can often mean lower prices and better availability.
Research your new neighbourhood
Montreal’s neighbourhoods each have their own personality and slightly different housing costs. Some popular areas for newcomers include:
- Plateau Mont-Royal
- Griffintown
- Mile End
- Rosemont
- Verdun
For example, living in Griffintown typically costs a bit more than neighbourhoods like the Plateau or Rosemont, but it’s a trendy area with modern buildings and convenient access to downtown. Ultimately, it comes down to what matters most to you when choosing where to live.
If you’re searching for an apartment, begin early and keep in mind that Montreal’s rental market works differently from Toronto’s. Many listings are posted on Facebook Marketplace (by far the best site to find rental listings), Kijiji, and other local sites rather than going through real estate agents.
Arrange your home insurance
One step many people overlook is updating their home insurance. Rules and pricing can differ between Ontario and Quebec, so your current policy may need to be updated or replaced when you move.
While home insurance isn’t legally required in Quebec, many landlords, condo associations, and mortgage lenders still require it. Fortunately, once you have your move-in date and address set, you can compare quotes and buy online with a digital insurance platform like YouSet, even while you’re still living in Toronto.
Get the best price on insurance year-after-year
Buy car insurance to supplement Quebec’s public auto insurance plan
When you register your vehicle in Quebec, you’ll need to switch to a Quebec auto insurance policy.
While basic injury coverage is provided through Quebec’s public car insurance plan (SAAQ), you’ll be required to purchase at least $50,000 in third-party liability coverage from a private insurance provider, like YouSet.
The good news is that because of this hybrid car insurance system, car insurance is usually cheaper in Quebec than in Ontario. For example, among YouSet users, the average car insurance premium is about $75 per month in Quebec compared to around $220 per month in Ontario.
Set up utilities
One of the first things you should do once you have your living arrangements finalized is to set up an electricity account with Hydro-Québec. Unlike Ontario, Hydro-Québec is the province’s only energy provider. You’ll need to set up an account with them before moving, which can be done in one of two ways:
- Online: The easiest option is to create your Customer Space on the Hydro Quebec website and submit a service request. You’ll need the full address of your new home, along with your email and phone number. This option is free and typically the fastest.
- By phone: You can also call Hydro-Québec and set up a new service contract with a customer service representative (but this will cost you $25).
Set up your internet
If your Ontario internet provider doesn’t offer services in Quebec (or it’s too expensive), you’ll need to cancel it before you move and find a new one. Compare plans and prices, considering factors such as cost, speed, and limits. Some popular internet providers in Montreal include:
- Ebox
- Fizz
- Bell
- Videotron
- Cogeco
- Telus
Immediately after you arrive
Here are a few key things to take care of in the first days after you arrive:
Update your address
Make sure to update your address with important services and accounts, including:
- Banks and credit cards
- Subscriptions and online services
- Federal and provincial services (like the CRA)
- Insurance providers
Doing this early can help you avoid missed bills or important mail during the move. You might also want to set up Canada Post mail forwarding for the first few months so that any mail gets sent directly to your new address.
Confirm local services
It’s a good idea to confirm and register with the City of Montreal for essential services, such as:
- Parking permits: Register for a residents-only parking sticker for your borough.
- Property taxes: Register with the municipality for property tax billing.
- Garbage collection: No registration required, but you can view the garbage, compost, and recycling collection schedules for your postal code.
- Pet license: If you have a dog or a cat, you’ll need to get a license and tag.
After you move
Once you’re settled in Montreal, there are a few more administrative steps to take:
Apply for Quebec health insurance (RAMQ)
Quebec has its own health insurance system called the RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec), which you’ll need to apply for once you become a Quebec resident. Processing can take some time, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible after arriving.
You can learn more about eligibility and register online.
Exchange your Ontario driver’s license
If you’re moving to Quebec permanently, you’ll need to exchange your Ontario licence for a Quebec one.
You can drive with your Ontario license for up to six months after moving. After that, you must switch to a Quebec license through the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec). To do so, you can:
- Book an appointment with the SAAQ
- Bring your Ontario license and identification
- Provide proof of Quebec residency
- Pay the exchange fee
Register your car and update your auto insurance
If you bring a car, you’ll need to register it with the SAAQ in Quebec. At the same time, you should switch to a Quebec auto insurance policy, since coverage requirements differ from Ontario.
Key differences between Toronto and Montreal
Montreal and Toronto are only one province apart, but life in both cities can feel quite different. Here are a few things you should know to help you prepare for the move.
July 1st moving day
Quebec has a unique tradition known as Moving Day, which takes place every year on July 1st.
Historically, rental leases in Montreal ended on this date, but while this rule no longer strictly applies, many leases still start and end on July 1st.
This means that every year on July 1st:
- Montreal is extremely busy with moving trucks
- More rental units become available
- Movers and trucks are in high demand
If you’re flexible with timing and want a potentially cheaper rental, try to plan your move outside July 1st.
Lower cost of living
Montreal is widely known to be more affordable than Toronto, particularly for housing and the overall cost of living. According to a study by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Montreal housing prices are “20% to 40% lower than other large Canadian cities, plus low transportation costs.”
However, Quebec has higher income taxes, which can somewhat offset this lower cost of living.
Colder winters
If you thought Toronto winters were cold, Montreal can be brutal. Winters in the city tend to be longer, snowier, and colder, with temperatures frequently dropping below –20°C. The city is well equipped for winter conditions, but you’ll need warm clothing and good winter boots.
Language
Montreal is a bilingual city, but French is the official language of Quebec. Most people in the city speak English, but government and healthcare services operate mainly in French. Some workplaces require it, and you’ll notice that signage and documentation are typically French-first.
If you’re planning to live in Montreal long-term, learning some basic French can help you settle in more easily.
