Moving guide · Québec → New York

Moving from Montréal to New York City

The ultimate big city for culture, food and career. Here's how life in New York City compares with Montréal, and what changes when you cross the border.

New York City is roughly 10°C warmer than Montréal in January (about -9°C → 1°C), with about 130 cm less snow a year and around 34 more sunny days. A typical home costs roughly 78% more in New York City (about C$600,000 vs US$780,000, compared at a sample exchange rate), and everyday costs in New York City are above the US average. For lifestyle, you gain beach and leave behind French-speaking and lower cost. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-9°C → 1°C (+10°)
July average
21°C → 25°C (+4°)
Sunny days a year
200 → 234
Snow a year
200 → 70 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
95 → 165
Typical home
C$600,000 → US$780,000
Property tax rate
0.8% → 0.9%
Provincial or state income tax
High → High
Health care in New York City
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in New York City
Airport
35 min
Ski hill
1h 15m
Beach or lake
40 min
Main industries
Finance, media, tech
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Beach
You leave behind
French-speakingLower cost
Wildfire: Low Flood: Moderate Heat: Moderate
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
Step-by-step: Canada → USA ›Legal must-dos ›Moving FAQ ›
Homes in New York CityFull comparisonSalary calculatorMove plannerAgents in New York City

Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

Moving from Montréal to New York City · Pinned