[swat535]

Agree with the OP.

To add on to this, from someone who is actually living in Montreal.. Quebec has the highest tax rates in Canada.

To give you an idea, the majority of software engineers here make between: 70k-95k.

This means you should be ready live with around 4-6k/mo after taxes.

The rent is still cheap, but not as cheap as you think, a descent apartment will cost you ~1,200$/mo.

The healthcare is (almost) free, you still have to pay the government ~200-400$ year if you're not on a private plan. But it's nowhere near the US.

Also French really is a requirement, especially when dealing with the government.