Costs

Greater Montréal is a first-choice nearshore destination for companies seeking to establish a site that is close to their North American clientele. In terms of competitiveness of total operating costs, including all of the cost components a company must assume, Greater Montréal ranks in the top 5 of the 20 largest metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States,  according to the study Choix Concurrentiels. The Canadian dollar was at parity with the U.S. dollar at the same time the study was published in March 2008.

A Significant R&D Cost/Benefit

Montréal’s cost advantage is particularly significant in the R&D and high-tech sectors. This stems, in part, from the generous R&D tax credits offered by the Québec and federal governments. By setting up in the Montréal area, foreign companies thus benefit from a location that has an optimal quality/cost ratio, be it for labour, rental of premises or energy. Furthermore, people working in the metropolis enjoy one of the most competitive costs of living in North America.

Competitive Salaries

Companies can benefit from the competitiveness of salary levels in Greater Montréal to reduce their labour costs as of January 1st, 2009. According to Economic Research Institute data, salaries in Greater Montréal are among the most competitive in the top 20 metropolitan areas in North America. 

Premises at Attractive Prices

Greater Montréal offers industrial and office space at extremely competitive costs, both in downtown and in the adjoining business districts on Montréal’s north and south shores. According to data from Cushman & Wakefield, the Montréal area ranks 1st among the largest metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States for the competitiveness of total occupation costs of office space (2009). It also ranks 3rd for total occupation costs of industrial space (2009).

Highly Competitive Energy Costs

Regarding energy costs, the government utility, Hydro-Québec, offers some of the most competitive and stable rates in the world. The competitiveness of these rates answers directly to the needs of foreign investors to reduce their energy supply costs. The vast water reserves in Québec, combined with an ultramodern transportation and distribution network, assure a reliable supply and beneficial rates for companies that set up in Greater Montréal.