Retire in Montreal
Last updated on Mar 17, 2025
Summary: Montreal, Canada is a popular destination for retirees due to its vibrant culture, diverse population, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its four distinct seasons, with mild summers and cold winters. Average temperatures in the summer range from 60-80°F (15-27°C) and in the winter range from 20-30°F (-7-1°C). There are several retirement communities in Montreal, offering a variety of amenities and services for seniors. Prices for a nice two bedroom home in Montreal range from $200,000 to $400,000 USD, while a nice three bedroom home can range from $300,000 to $500,000 USD.
What is it like to retire in Montreal?
"Retirees in Montreal and its surroundings enjoy a vibrant and active lifestyle. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from other countries choosing to settle in the area. Montreal is a culturally rich city, with a variety of attractions, including museums, galleries, and theatres. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. For those looking for a night out, Montreal has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from," explained one retiree living in Montreal.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
"Research the cost of living, health insurance, and visas for the countries that interest you. Make sure you understand the tax rules for expats in the country you are looking to retire in. Visit the country before making a decision and make sure the city or area you are considering provides the lifestyle and amenities that you want. Research the availability of healthcare and healthcare costs. Ask yourself questions like: is the language barrier something you are willing to navigate? Is the culture and climate something that you can adjust to? Will you be able to continue your activities (hobbies, exercise, etc.) there? How will your family and friends stay in touch? Are you comfortable with the crime rate and local laws? Talk to current expat retirees in the area to get their insights and helpful tips," commented one retiree living in Montreal, Canada.
What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Montreal?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Montreal is the cost of living. Montreal is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and the cost of housing, food, and other necessities can be quite high. Additionally, the climate in Montreal can be quite extreme, with cold winters and hot summers, which can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak French, as French is the official language of Quebec. Finally, the healthcare system in Montreal can be difficult to navigate, as it is a public system and there can be long wait times for certain services," explained a retiree in Montreal.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Montreal?
"Retiring in Montreal offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The city is renowned for its vibrant culture, with a wide range of festivals, events, and attractions to explore. Montreal is also home to a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city's unique cuisine. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, offering plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, Montreal is a safe and welcoming city, with a strong sense of community and a variety of activities and services for seniors," said one retiree in living in Montreal, Canada.
What are healthcare services like in Montreal?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Montreal. They wrote:
"Montreal offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. Montreal also has a number of walk-in clinics and pharmacies that offer convenient access to medical care. Additionally, Montreal is home to a number of research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare services," said a person in Montreal.
How do I meet people in Montreal?
When we asked people living in Montreal about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Montreal can join a variety of clubs and activities to meet people and make friends. Popular activities include joining a sports team, taking a language class, or attending a meetup group. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and talking to locals," explained one retiree living in Montreal.
What is life like in Montreal?
When we asked people living in Montreal what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Montreal is vibrant and exciting. The city is known for its diverse culture, with a mix of French and English-speaking people, and a variety of international cuisines. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities in North America, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. Montreal is also home to a thriving tech and startup scene, with plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. With its beautiful parks, museums, and galleries, Montreal is a great place to explore and experience the culture of Canada," said one retiree in living in Montreal, Canada.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do I need to know before retiring in Montreal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Montreal, they said:
"Before retiring in Montreal, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, French. It is also important to research the cost of living in Montreal, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and the type of housing they would like to live in. It is also important to research the local job market and the types of activities available in the city. Finally, expats should consider the cultural differences between their home country and Canada, and how they will adjust to the new environment," remarked one retiree in Montreal.
What type of recreational activities are there in Montreal?
"Montreal is home to a variety of recreational facilities, ranging from outdoor parks to indoor sports complexes. Parc Jean-Drapeau is a popular outdoor park located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, offering a variety of activities such as biking, swimming, and kayaking. The Montreal Botanical Garden is a large botanical garden with over 22,000 species of plants, as well as a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, and a First Nations garden. The Montreal Biodome is a unique facility that houses four distinct ecosystems, including a tropical rainforest, a Laurentian forest, a Saint Lawrence marine ecosystem, and a polar area. The Montreal Olympic Park is a large sports complex that includes a stadium, an aquatic center, and a velodrome. The Montreal Science Centre is an interactive science museum with a variety of exhibits and activities. Finally, the Montreal Planetarium is a large planetarium with a variety of shows and activities," explained one retiree living in Montreal.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Montreal?
" We visit Marches Public Market, specifically the Jean-Talon Market. It has so many fresh and freshly-prepared options. You can eat there and then bring home all kinds of wonderful culinary delights. We had delicious crepes that happened to be gluten free, some fresh sausage. Just shopping at this market may make you feel like you're living a vibrant, fulfilling, and healthful lifestyle. We also visited a Boulangerie Le Marquis sans gluten. Excellent. The GF Croissants were amazing. ," remarked one retiree in Montreal.
"In Montreal, expats can find a variety of grocery stores and shopping centers to meet their needs. One popular grocery store is Metro, which has multiple locations throughout the city. Metro offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and other grocery items. Additionally, there are several large shopping centers in Montreal, such as the Eaton Centre and the Montreal Eaton Centre, which offer a variety of stores and restaurants. For more specialized items, expats can visit the Jean-Talon Market, which is a large outdoor market with a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other specialty items. Finally, expats can also find a variety of international stores, such as Asian supermarkets, which offer a selection of imported items," explained one retiree living in Montreal.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Montreal?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Montreal?
- What is the average cost of housing in Montreal?
- How do I meet people in Montreal?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Montreal?
- What should I pack when moving to Montreal?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Montreal?
- Will I be able to find a job in Montreal?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Montreal?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Montreal?
- What is the social scene like in Montreal?
- What advice to expats in Montreal have about housing?
- What are medical services in Montreal like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Montreal?
- Is the cost of living in Montreal high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Montreal?
- Why do people move to Montreal?