A North American City With One Of The Lowest Costs Of Living Feels Just Like Europe

Filled with cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, and cafes bustling with French chatter, Montreal can easily make you feel like you've wandered into Paris, without ever leaving North America. Beyond its European ambiance, this vibrant Canadian city is also one of the most affordable urban centers in North America, according to Business Insider.

While cities with a similar European vibe often come with a high price tag, Montreal is a frugal city that delivers charm and culture without draining your wallet. From the lively markets to historic neighborhoods, it is a place where daily life can feel like a postcard. But like all cities, Montreal isn't without its tradeoffs. In particular the winter can be brutally cold and Americans looking to move here will need to navigate through Canada's complex immigration process. Still, for those craving a European lifestyle without the transatlantic move, or exorbitant costs, Montreal might be worth consideration.

Whether renting an apartment, enjoying a night out, or sipping coffee at a neighborhood cafe, day-to-day expenses in Montreal are noticeably lower than comparable metro areas in Canada and the United States. According to Business Insider, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Montreal is $1,201.41 per month. In contrast, similar housing averages $1,802 in Toronto, and $1,987 in Vancouver. In Boston, one of the major U.S. metros closest to Montreal with a comparable population, the same apartment averages $3,394 a month, according to Numbeo.

The savings don't end with rent. Everyday costs from groceries to restaurant dinners are also cheaper in the so-called Paris of North America. According to Numbeo, the average person in Montreal spends $973.10 per month on non-rent expenses, which are consistent across Canada, but lower than in the U.S. There, the average single American spends an additional $1,182 a month on the same expenses.

Before packing your bags, here are a few things to consider about life in Montreal that might shape your decision. While the city is undoubtedly charming and affordable, it is also known for its famously long and bitterly cold winters. During the winter months, temperatures range between 14 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, according to HEC Montreal, and there's an average of 83 inches of snow. That said, residents adapt and even embrace the cold season with winter music festivals, outdoor skating rinks, and trails to explore at Mount Royal Park.

Besides the weather, one of the biggest consideration for foreigners looking to move to Montreal is Canada's strict immigration rules. Despite being neighboring countries, there is no special pathway for Americans looking to relocate to Canada. To do so, they must have a valid visa or they can apply for immigration programs like Canada's Express Entry program for skilled immigration applicants or the Quebec skilled workers program, which is managed by the province of Quebec and has different language and eligibility requirements. Unlike moving between U.S. states, relocating to Montreal requires planning and navigating the formal immigration process.