Travel

Montreal vs Toronto: A Complete Comparison of Canada’s Top Cities

Mar 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

Montreal and Toronto are two of Canada’s most iconic cities, each offering a unique experience. While Toronto is the country’s financial powerhouse, Montreal thrives as its cultural and artistic hub. But which city is better? Whether you’re considering relocating, visiting, or just curious about the differences, this comparison of Montreal vs Toronto covers everything—from cost of living to entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.

Population and Demographics

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, home to over 2.7 million people, while Montreal follows closely with around 1.8 million residents. Toronto boasts a highly diverse population, with over 50% of its residents born outside of Canada, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Montreal, on the other hand, has a strong French influence, with French being the dominant language, though many residents are bilingual.

Key Differences:

Toronto: English-speaking majority, highly multicultural.
Montreal: Predominantly French-speaking, strong European influence.

Cost of Living

When comparing Montreal vs Toronto, one of the biggest differences is the cost of living. Toronto is significantly more expensive than Montreal, particularly in housing, transportation, and dining out.

Housing Costs

Toronto: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,500/month.
Montreal: The same apartment would cost around $1,500/month.

Transportation

Toronto: A monthly transit pass costs $156.
Montreal: A monthly transit pass costs $97.

Overall Expenses

Groceries and dining are 20-30% cheaper in Montreal than in Toronto.
Utilities are generally more affordable in Montreal due to lower electricity rates.

Weather and Climate

Both cities experience harsh winters, but Montreal is known for colder temperatures and heavier snowfall. Toronto has milder winters but more humid summers.

Climate Breakdown:

Montreal: Snowy winters, hot summers, and extreme temperature changes.
Toronto: Milder winters, humid summers, and less snowfall.

If you dislike harsh winters, Toronto might be the better option.

Job Market and Economy

Toronto: The Financial Hub

Toronto is home to Canada’s largest job market, with strong industries in finance, tech, healthcare, and business. The city is also the headquarters for major banks and multinational corporations.

Montreal: The Creative and Tech Hub

Montreal is known for its thriving tech, gaming, and artificial intelligence (AI) industries. It’s home to companies like Ubisoft, EA, and Moment Factory, making it an excellent city for creative professionals and engineers.

Which City Has More Opportunities?

If you’re in finance, corporate business, or tech startups, Toronto is the best option.
If you’re a game developer, AI researcher, or artist, Montreal is the better choice.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Montreal: The Cultural Capital

Montreal has a vibrant arts scene, world-famous festivals, and historic European-style architecture. The city is also known for:

Montreal Jazz Festival – The world’s largest jazz festival.
Just for Laughs Comedy Festival – A globally recognized comedy event.
World-class museums and art galleries.

Toronto: The Entertainment Hub

Toronto is Canada’s entertainment capital, featuring top attractions like:

CN Tower – One of the tallest structures in the world.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – A globally renowned film festival.
Major sports teams – Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and Blue Jays (MLB).

Food and Dining

Montreal: A Foodie’s Paradise

Montreal’s food scene is world-famous, known for its French influence and unique local specialties. Must-try dishes include:

Poutine – Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Montreal-style bagels – Sweeter and denser than New York bagels.
Smoked meat sandwiches – A local specialty at Schwartz’s Deli.

Toronto: A Global Culinary Scene

Toronto has one of the most diverse food cultures in the world, with restaurants serving authentic cuisine from every continent. Popular foods include:

Peameal bacon sandwiches – A Toronto classic.
Dim sum – Thanks to its large Chinese community, Toronto offers some of the best dim sum in North America.
Jamaican patties – A popular street food.

Public Transport and Traffic

Toronto’s public transit system, the TTC, is more extensive than Montreal’s STM, but it’s also more crowded and expensive.

Montreal: Easier to navigate, more bike-friendly, and cheaper transit.
Toronto: Better subway coverage but more traffic congestion.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Toronto: A Sports Fan’s Dream

Hockey: Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Basketball: The Toronto Raptors are a major attraction.
Baseball: The Blue Jays are Canada’s only Major League Baseball team.

Montreal: A Passionate Hockey City

Montreal Canadiens (Habs) – The most successful NHL team in history.
Cycling-friendly city – Recognized as one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America.
Mount Royal Park – A great spot for hiking and picnics.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Montreal’s nightlife is considered better than Toronto’s, thanks to its lower drinking age (18 vs. 19 in Toronto) and more affordable bars and clubs. Toronto, however, has a wider selection of high-end nightclubs and rooftop lounges.

Which City Has the Better Nightlife?

Montreal: More affordable, relaxed, and fun.
Toronto: Trendier, exclusive, and diverse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which city is safer, Montreal or Toronto?

Both cities are relatively safe, but Toronto has a higher crime rate due to its larger population. However, both cities have safe neighborhoods and well-policed areas.

2. Which city has better job opportunities?

Toronto offers more jobs in finance, tech, and corporate industries, while Montreal excels in AI, gaming, and creative industries.

3. Is Toronto or Montreal better for tourists?

Montreal is better for history, food, and culture, while Toronto is ideal for sports, skyline views, and shopping.

4. Which city is more affordable?

Montreal is significantly cheaper than Toronto in terms of rent, groceries, and transportation.

5. What are the main language differences?

Toronto is English-speaking.
Montreal is bilingual, but French is the dominant language.

Conclusion

In the Montreal vs Toronto debate, the best city depends on your priorities. If you want a high-paying job in finance, a fast-paced lifestyle, and endless entertainment, Toronto is the best choice. However, if you prefer affordable living, rich culture, and a vibrant food scene, Montreal is the perfect place.

Both cities have their own charm, and whether you’re visiting or relocating, you can’t go wrong with either one!