What Is Life Like in Toronto Compared to Montreal for Iranians and Middle Easterners?
Short answer: Montreal feels more European with emphasis on culture, food, and quality of life with sidewalk cafés and festivals; Toronto runs faster and more career-focused with potentially higher earnings; Toronto Iranian and Middle Eastern community is larger with more dedicated organizations, mosques, and cultural centres.
The two cities feel very different.
Montreal has a more European pace, with 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.
What Are the Practical Steps to Move from Montreal to Toronto?
Short answer: Plan 3 to 6 months ahead. Key tasks: switch from RAMQ to OHIP (with private bridge insurance for the waiting period), notify CRA of your address change, update Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on pending applications, scope neighbourhoods before signing leases, start Ontario professional licensing early, and budget $2,000 to $5,000 for moving costs.
Start planning 3–6 months ahead. Here's what to handle:
- Health insurance. Switch from RAMQ (Quebec) to OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). There can be a waiting period, so plan for continuous coverage 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.
What Are the Most Common Questions About Moving from Montreal to Toronto?
These are the questions Iranian and Middle Eastern immigrants ask most often when considering this move. The answers cover immigration status implications for Quebec program holders, cost comparisons between the two cities, French language requirements, credential recognition between Quebec and Ontario, and which city better suits different professional goals and family situations.
Can I move to Toronto right after getting permanent residence (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, including your immigration pathway, career field, language abilities, and family size, all factor in. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and getting it wrong can create real problems for your immigration timeline.
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.
Sources
The information in this guide draws from official Canadian federal and provincial government sources. Links below point directly to the relevant pages on canada.ca, ontario.ca, and other official government domains. All links were verified at the time of publication and point exclusively to government-operated websites.
