Moving from Montreal to Toronto in 2026 | Immigrant Guide | Go Far Global
Settlement
Moving from Montreal to Toronto in 2026: Guide for Iranian and Middle Eastern Immigrants
11 min readBy Maggi Issa
Moving from Montreal to Toronto in 2026: Guide for Iranian and Middle Eastern Immigrants
If you're living in Montreal and thinking about moving to Toronto, you're not alone. It's one of the most common relocations in Canada, and for good reason. Toronto has the country's biggest job market, runs in English, and has a massive Iranian and Middle Eastern community. But it also costs a lot more, and depending on your immigration status, the move could have legal implications.
This guide breaks down what you actually need to know: the costs, the job market, the housing situation, how it affects your immigration status, and whether it's the right call for you in 2026.
Why People Move from Montreal to Toronto
Most people make this move for one of three reasons: jobs, language, or community.
Jobs. Toronto's economy is bigger in almost every sector. Finance, tech, consulting, healthcare — if you're in any of these fields, Toronto has more positions and higher salaries. Many professionals hit a ceiling in Montreal and find that Toronto opens up opportunities that simply don't exist in Quebec.
Language. If your French isn't strong, Montreal can feel limiting. Most professional jobs in Quebec require functional French, and even daily life runs in French outside of a few anglophone pockets. Toronto operates in English, which removes that barrier immediately.
Community. Toronto has one of the largest Iranian and Middle Eastern populations in North America. The Greater Toronto Area has Persian grocery stores, restaurants, cultural centres, and community organizations spread across North York, Mississauga, and Scarborough. Montreal has a community too, but it's smaller and more dispersed.
That said, there are real reasons to stay in Montreal or even move the other direction. Montreal is significantly cheaper, has subsidized daycare, and offers a lifestyle that many people prefer. The decision isn't one-sided.
Have Questions About Immigration?
Our team of experts is here to help you plan your move to Canada.
Toronto accounts for roughly 20% of all Canadian jobs. It dominates in finance, technology, professional services, and healthcare. If you work in banking, software, or consulting, Toronto is where the opportunities are.
Montreal holds its own in certain sectors. Aerospace, gaming, artificial intelligence, and biotech are all strong in Montreal. If your career is in one of these industries, you may actually be better off staying put.
Salaries in Toronto run about 15–20% higher than Montreal on average, but that gap shrinks when you factor in the cost of living. Your real purchasing power might not change much.
One thing to research before you move: credential recognition. Professional licensing for healthcare workers, engineers, and tradespeople varies between provinces. You may need to reapply or complete additional requirements when you move from Quebec to Ontario. Don't assume your credentials transfer automatically.
If you're using a Quebec immigration program, moving to Toronto could complicate your status. Quebec has its own immigration system, separate from federal programs like Express Entry. More on that below.
Cost of Living: What Changes When You Move
This is where the difference really shows. Toronto is expensive, and the gap with Montreal is significant.
Housing. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto typically runs about $2,200–2,800/month. The same apartment in Montreal costs around $1,200–1,600. If you're moving from Montreal to Toronto, expect your housing costs to nearly double.
Transit. A TTC monthly pass in Toronto is about $156. Montreal's STM pass is around $95. Toronto is also more spread out, so commutes tend to be longer and costlier.
Childcare. This is the biggest difference for families. Quebec's subsidized daycare costs roughly $200–400/month. In Toronto, you're looking at about $1,200–2,000/month for the same thing. If you have young kids, this one factor could justify staying in Montreal.
Groceries. Overall grocery costs are comparable between cities. Toronto has more Persian and Middle Eastern grocery options because of the larger community, but Montreal's shops are competitively priced.
Taxes. Quebec taxes are higher than Ontario's. So while your pre-tax salary might jump in Toronto, the take-home difference is smaller than it looks on paper. When you factor in lower Quebec taxes against lower Montreal costs, the real financial picture is closer than most people expect.
Housing: What to Expect
Toronto's rental market is competitive. Good apartments get multiple applications within days. You'll need employment verification, references, and first and last month's rent. If you're coming from Montreal, where the rental market is more relaxed, this pace can be a shock.
Montreal has stronger tenant protections thanks to Quebec's rent control laws. In Toronto, landlords have more flexibility with rent increases, especially in newer buildings.
Where to live in Toronto. The Iranian and Middle Eastern communities are concentrated in:
North York — along Yonge Street, particularly around Finch and Sheppard
Mississauga — especially near Square One and along Dundas
Scarborough — more affordable, with a growing Middle Eastern presence
For homebuying, Toronto requires significantly larger down payments and higher overall budgets. Montreal's market, while not cheap, is still more accessible for first-time buyers.
How the Move Affects Your Immigration Status
This is the part people often overlook, and it matters.
If you came through a Quebec immigration program (like the Quebec Skilled Worker Program or PEQ), you're expected to settle in Quebec. Moving to Toronto right after getting permanent residency could raise flags during your citizenship application. Immigration authorities may question whether you genuinely intended to live in Quebec. Many immigration professionals recommend staying in Quebec for at least 1–2 years before relocating.
If you came through federal programs like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program from another province, you have full mobility rights. You can move between cities freely.
If you're on a work permit or study permit, your permit is typically tied to a specific employer or institution. Moving cities usually means changing jobs or schools, which requires a new permit or an amendment.
The bottom line: know your immigration pathway before you plan a move. If you're unsure, book an appointment to discuss how relocating affects your specific situation.
Language: French vs English
This part is straightforward. Montreal runs primarily in French. Toronto runs in English. If you're struggling with French and it's limiting your career, moving to Toronto removes that barrier overnight.
But consider the tradeoff. French language skills give you points in Quebec's immigration programs and can make you more competitive for federal programs too. Bilingual professionals are valued across Canada. If you've been investing in learning French, moving to Toronto means that investment doesn't pay off in the same way in your daily life, though it still has long-term value.
For kids, Montreal offers both French and English school systems (though English spots are limited and regulated). Toronto has more English options but fewer chances for true French–English bilingualism.
Community and Lifestyle
The two cities feel very different.
Montreal has a more European pace — more emphasis on culture, food, and quality of life. People work to live. Sidewalk cafés, festivals, and a strong arts scene are part of everyday life.
Toronto is more North American — career-focused, faster-paced, longer hours, but potentially higher earnings and more corporate opportunities.
Montreal's Iranian and Middle Eastern community is smaller but well-integrated into the city's overall culture. Toronto's is larger, with more dedicated organizations, mosques, cultural centres, and business networks. If having a large, active community matters to you, Toronto has the edge.
Both cities have the restaurants, grocery stores, and religious facilities you'd need. Toronto just has more of everything because of its size.
Practical Steps for the Move
Start planning 3–6 months ahead. Here's what to handle:
Health insurance. Switch from RAMQ (Quebec) to OHIP (Ontario). There can be a waiting period, so plan for continuous coverage (for example, through private insurance) during the transition.
Taxes. Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your address change. Your provincial tax situation changes when you move.
Immigration. Update your address with IRCC for any pending applications or correspondence.
Housing. Visit Toronto before you move to scope out neighbourhoods and understand the rental market. Avoid signing a long-term lease sight unseen if possible.
Credentials. If your profession requires licensing, start the Ontario application process early. Processing can take months.
Budget. Moving between cities typically costs about $2,000–5,000 depending on how much you move and whether you hire professional movers. Factor in temporary housing costs while you find a permanent place.
If your move involves changing your immigration pathway or status, check current processing times so you know what to expect.
FAQ
Can I move to Toronto right after getting PR through a Quebec program?
Legally, yes. You have mobility rights as a permanent resident. But immigration authorities expect you to establish yourself in Quebec first. Moving immediately looks like you never intended to stay, which can create problems at citizenship. Many experts suggest waiting 1–2 years.
Will moving to Toronto help my career if I don't speak French well?
Usually, yes. Toronto's English-only environment opens up more positions. But consider whether improving your French might offer better long-term value, since bilingual professionals can be more competitive and may earn more across Canada.
How much more expensive is Toronto for a family?
Expect to spend roughly 40–60% more overall, driven mainly by housing and childcare. Higher Toronto salaries offset some of this, but not all of it.
Do my professional credentials transfer from Quebec to Ontario?
It depends on your profession. Some have reciprocity agreements, some don't. Healthcare, engineering, and trades workers should check with their Ontario regulatory body before moving.
Which city is better for Iranian and Middle Eastern immigrants?
There's no universal answer. Montreal is cheaper, more laid-back, and has subsidized childcare, but requires French for most long-term opportunities. Toronto has more jobs, a bigger community, and runs in English, but costs significantly more. It comes down to your language skills, career goals, family situation, and what kind of life you want.
Need Help Deciding?
This isn't a simple decision, especially when immigration status is involved. Your specific situation — your immigration pathway, career field, language abilities, and family size — all factor in.
Go Far Global works with Iranian and Middle Eastern immigrants navigating exactly these kinds of decisions. We can review your immigration status, assess how a move affects your timeline, and help you plan the right approach.
Book an appointment to talk through your situation. You'll get a clear picture of what the move means for your immigration journey and support in making the call that's right for you.
