I might be moving to Montreal in the near future. I have what looks like a promising job offer (though not confirmed) at MacGill University.
Does anyone here live in Montreal ? Could you tell me something about the city, rent & cost of living in particular.
-trekkie
Originally posted by trekkieI'm not sure how much help this will be because I am comparing prices to England and Australia may be a lot different.
I might be moving to Montreal in the near future. I have what looks like a promising job offer (though not confirmed) at MacGill University.
Does anyone here live in Montreal ? Could you tell me something about the city, rent & cost of living in particular.
-trekkie
I lived there for 1.5 years. It's a great place to live. I hate cities but I liked Montreal. Even though it's big it doesn't really feel that much like a city.
Renting a place is reasonable for a city that size. I had a 1 bedroom apartment in a nice part of town for about CDN $650. There is a shortage of housing though and it can be quite tough to get somewhere good, especially if you don't speak good french (telephone calls to landlords) and you don't have references.
Also, they have a bizarre "moving day" which is July 1st (I think), and if people are moving apartment this is the day they do it. Which means if you are trying to rent at any other time it can be difficult.
Other costs of living seemed pretty cheap to me. Electricity is cheap because of hydro, gas, OK. There are no water bills.
Food is about the same as UK in supermarkets, but some things are more, some less.
Now, to the importants stuff - beer.
Some pubs are extortionate, especially for imported beers - $7 or $8 a pint. However, good local beers can often be bought in pitchers for between $7 and $15 which is about 4 pints I think (or 2 litres).
I've been in Montreal for 6 years now. Things have changed a little. You shouldn't have a hard time finding an appartment (check : http://www.voir.ca/petitesannonces/rubrique.aspx?iIDRubrique=200), hopefully you can navigate (somewhat) in French. This site is very good, it'll help you find an appartment, job etc...
If not (in French), check : http://www.classifiedextra.ca/jsp/immo_rent.jsp😀. Not as extensive, but it will give you hand (in English 🙂)
Other than that, Montréal IS the best city in the world (unless you enjoy streets with no potholes, access to a family doctor😳, places to park you car😠). I mean we have it all here. A great night life. Multiculturism. The arts. Festivals. Crazy weather. Beautiful women (& men-I suppose 😲)
Signed : Happy in Montréal😀
Originally posted by trekkieI'll ask my sister; she will be sophomore at McGill next year and just rented an apartment--I dunno what she's paying per month, but I think it's in the vicinity of $700-800 Canadian, though that may not be representative as the uni hooks a lot of students up with housing.
I might be moving to Montreal in the near future. I have what looks like a promising job offer (though not confirmed) at MacGill University.
Does anyone here live in Montreal ? Could you tell me something about the city, rent & cost of living in particular.
-trekkie
Yeah, it's really cold.
What's the job though?
Originally posted by rgoudieLived Sweden near the arctic circle (Lulea to be precise) for four months one winter. Four months of snow, blizzards and down to -35C
Indeed.
Better bring extra pairs of long underwear. Have you ever even held natural snow in your hands? 🙂
-Ray.
Yeah I have been in the cold 🙂
Originally posted by royalchicken
I'll ask my sister; she will be sophomore at McGill next year and just rented an apartment--I dunno what she's paying per month, but I think it's in the vicinity of $700-800 Canadian, though that may not be representative as the uni hooks a lot of students up with housing.
Thanks
Yeah, it's really cold. See my post above this one.
What's the job though? A post doc with the Montreal Neurological Institute
Originally posted by trekkieWell, fortunately for you, French is not absolutely essential for getting around in Montreal, regardless of what the propogandists might have lead you to believe.
I have to admit my French is non existent. Part of the challenge of going to Montreal. 🙂
You will pick it up fast, as immersion is the best way to learn a language.
-Ray.