Montreal or Vancouver: which city to choose for an exchange in 2025?
Are you thinking about doing an exchange in Canada but can't decide between Montreal and Vancouver? Choosing the right city could be the game-changer for your overseas experience. Both offer unique opportunities, but each one has characteristics that may better align with your goals and budget.
Why choose between Montreal and Vancouver
Canada stands out as one of the most sought after destinations for Public College in Canada and programs from Private College in Canada - Co-op. Montreal and Vancouver represent two distinct faces of the country: the first offers a unique bilingual experience with more affordable costs, while the second provides a multicultural environment with a milder climate.
Decisive factors for your choice:
- Available budget for housing and overhead costs
- Climate preferences and adaptation to the harsh winter
- Professional Objectives and sectors of interest
- Cultural experience desired (French-speaking vs. multicultural)
- Job opportunities during and after studies
Full comparison: Montreal vs Vancouver
Cost of Living - The Big Difference
Montreal comes out ahead when it comes to budgeting. With Average rent of CAD $1,500 per month, the city offers a significant advantage compared to CAD $2,500 monthly from Vancouver.
Main costs in Montreal:
- Shared room rental: CAD $600-800
- Monthly food: CAD $350-400
- Public transportation: CAD $97 (monthly pass)
- Leisure and entertainment: CAD $200-300
Main costs in Vancouver:
- Shared room rent: CAD $800-1,200
- Monthly food: CAD $400-500
- Public transportation: CAD $135 (monthly pass)
- Leisure and entertainment: CAD $250-400
Employment opportunities and salaries
Vancouver has advantages in the labor market, with minimum wage of CAD $17.85 per hour contra CAD $16.10 in Montreal. The West Coast city also has Unemployment rate of 6.2%, lower than 8.1% of Montreal.
Trending sectors in Vancouver:
- Technology and startups (“Canadian Silicon Valley” concentration)
- Tourism and hospitality (international destination)
- International trade (gateway to the Pacific)
- Film industry (“North Hollywood”)
Trending sectors in Montreal:
- Aeronautics (Bombardier headquarters)
- Artificial intelligence and games
- Biotechnology and life sciences
- Cultural and creative industry
Climate - The adaptation factor
Vancouver: softness with rain
Vancouver offers a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters (average of 3°C) and pleasant summers (22°C). The point of attention is due to Frequent rain, especially between November and March.
Montreal: well-defined extremes
Montreal has a continental climate with severe winters (average of -10°C) and Hot summers (26°C). The city offers four well-defined seasons, with the possibility of snow from December to March.
Important tip: If you don't adapt well to the intense cold, Vancouver may be more comfortable. On the other hand, if you like to experience the four seasons, Montreal offers a complete experience.
Cultural life and international experience
Montreal: unique bilingual immersion
With Population of 4.6 million, Montreal is the second largest city in Canada. The bilingual experience (French/English) provides a differentiated and valued cultural experience in the international market.
Cultural advantages of Montreal:
- European environment in North America
- Renowned international festivals
- Vibrant and affordable nightlife
- Preserved historic architecture
- Diversified international cuisine
Vancouver: multiculturalism in nature
Vancouver, with 3.1 million inhabitants, offers one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the world, surrounded by mountains and the ocean. The cultural diversity is impressive, with a strong Asian influence.
Vancouver's cultural advantages:
- Proximity to nature (skiing and beach on the same day)
- Very active international community
- Healthy and outdoor lifestyle
- Gateway to explore the Canadian West
- Modern and sustainable architecture
Be Easy's partner institutions
Montreal: BLI and ILSC
In Montreal, we work with recognized institutions such as BLI (Bouchereau Lingua International), which specializes in bilingual programs, and ILSC, which offers flexible English and French programs with college pathways.
Vancouver: ILAC, EC and ILSC
Vancouver has partners such as ILAC International College, recognized globally for its excellence in teaching, EC Vancouver for intensive English programs, and ILSC with its diversified programs.
Which city to choose in 2025?
Which city to choose in 2025?
Choose Montreal if you:
- Do you have a more limited budget and want to maximize your experience?
- Do you want a unique bilingual cultural experience?
- Don't mind harsh winters
- Search for a larger city with more academic diversity
- It values European architecture and intense cultural life
Choose Vancouver if you:
- You can invest more in the exchange for better climate quality
- Prefers to being close to nature and outdoor activities
- Search for better opportunities in the technology sector
- It does not adapt well to very cold winters
- Want to be at the gateway to the Pacific and Asia?
Programs available in both cities
Both Montreal and Vancouver offer excellent options for those looking for Learning a language abroad. The two cities are also ideal for programs of Pathway for university entry, preparing students for Canadian higher education.
Popular programs available:
- Intensive English courses
- College programs with co-op
- Undergraduate and graduate studies
- Specialized technical courses
- University preparation programs
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we understand that choosing the right city for your exchange in Canada is a decision that impacts your entire international experience. Our specialized team offers personalized advice to help you assess which destination best aligns with your goals, budget, and lifestyle. Contact us today and discover how we can transform your dream of studying in Canada into an unforgettable and successful experience!
