How to Find Cheaper Rentals in Montreal: A Practical Guide

Editorial review: August 2026. Rates, documents and procedures may change. Before leaving home or paying a fee, confirm the requirements with the responsible institution.

Who is this post aimed at?

In today’s article we will talk about cheaper rents in Montreal and explain a little about accommodation, since in practical terms, around half of the population of the province Quebec lives there.

Having said that, I also need to say that this post is aimed at profiles of people who are arriving alone, as a couple or, as a last resort, with just one small child, as there is no way to fit larger families that need accommodation with at least 3 rooms into an economical housing profile. So, if you have a large family, perhaps this article will help in part.

For larger families, I inform you that there is no way around the high cost. The good news is that, after four years of tightness, the Montreal market finally started to show signs of relief in 2026, I explain the numbers below.

In the following video I leave my impressions and a brief overview of the cost of living in Montreal for those looking for larger properties. I also promise to produce a special article about it in the near future.

Short-term stay options available in Montreal

When you arrive in Canada for the first time, you will need a place to stay and settle in if you haven’t already done this in Brazil (a lot of people have done this in recent years). If you cannot count on the support of family or friends who already live in Montreal, you will need to find some temporary accommodation on your own until you can find a real long-term home.

Keep in mind that this type of temporary accommodation is only for a period of a few weeks to a few months. Typically, short-term accommodation is cheaper than staying in a hotel and, as Montreal is a city that receives international workers and students all the time, the offer for this type of accommodation is quite large.

Note! In Montreal, most In these cases, you do not need to sign a formal contract to secure a short-term rental, unless it is a sublease. There are many platforms that work the way AIRBNB does and the process ends up being very simplified.

Here are some of the different types of accommodation you can expect to find in Montreal:

1. Serviced apartment: 

A serviced apartment, also known as an “apartment hotel”, is like having your own apartment. Often these apartments are available on a short-term basis (from a month onwards) in apartment buildings or are part of a hotel. The advantage of a serviced apartment is that the costs are much cheaper than staying in a comparable hotel suite.

Different options are available - from one to three bedrooms - and you will have everything you need, such as a fully equipped kitchen, bed linen and towels, as well as laundry facilities. Depending on the type of building your apartment is serviced in, you may also have access to amenities such as an indoor pool and gym. Individual serviced apartment companies can be searched for online or through websites such as Airbnb, Kayak, Trivago or Anyplace. 

2. Hostel:

Most people still think that hostels are only for young travelers with backpacks, however, this view has changed a lot over time. Hostelling International (HI) Canada operates 51 hostels from coast to coast across Canada, including seven hostels in Quebec - with one in downtown Montreal.

You’ll often find private rooms or four-person rooms available, which are ideal if you’re traveling as a couple or family. Not only are hostels significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel, they are usually located in the city center and you will have access to a kitchen and living area. Another positive point is the possibility of starting to make your first contacts by meeting new people who will help you with local tips.

Remember that we are talking about economical and temporary accommodation, if you are short on money, luxury is something you cannot afford. (terrible pun, I know 😀)

3. Shared accommodation: 

Shared accommodation is another option. It can be medium and long term, providing a bit of stability, but it requires you to be an open-minded person who likes communities, as you will need to share an apartment or house with other people while finding your own place.

You should expect to have your own bedroom (in some cases with bathroom) and share other living areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom, with other tenants. Shared accommodation listings can be found through online classified ads or through websites such as Roomies or through Marketplace Facebook ads.

4. Sublet (Sublet): 

Sublets are common in Montreal, especially because there are many students living in the city. A sublease is where you take over an apartment on a short-term basis from the person who is the tenant. They will have signed a lease with a landlord and it is usually their responsibility to find someone to sublet their apartment and notify the landlord.

However, the original tenant may ask you to sign a contract that outlines the terms of the sublease. The great thing about subletting is that you can find a fully furnished apartment for a cheaper price than a serviced apartment. To find a sublet in Montreal, check out Sublet.com or again on public groups Facebook for apartments, roommates and sublets in Montreal.

5. University residence: 

Another great option for those arriving in Canada in the spring and summer months is a university residence. Generally, from May to mid-August, when university terms end, student residences are empty. Rooms are then reserved for summer students, travelers or other visitors through the university’s student residence or housing departments.

Accommodation is generally clean and modern, and two- or three-bedroom suites with kitchens and bathrooms may be available. Rooms are usually offered by the week or month and many residences have 24-hour security. Consult the list of educational institutions in Quebec and contact the institution directly to inquire about availability and reservations.

Where can I find affordable long-term rentals in Montreal?

Now let’s leave the temporary field (short-term rentals) and move on to something where you can stay for a while until you decide whether you’re going to start calling Montreal my home (at least for a year, the official term of contracts here).

If you are an international student with plans to become a skilled worker in Canada and have at least one child over the age of 5, pay attention to the issue of schools and enrollment before deciding where you will live, even if it is in a room.

READ ALSO: “How does the school system work in Quebec?”

Most affordable neighborhoods in Montreal for long-term accommodation

The cosmopolitan city of Montreal is home to cultural events and world-class restaurants. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it began as a missionary settlement but soon became a fur trading center. Montreal is full of diverse and very charming neighborhoods.

Montreal’s rental market in 2026

Before entering the neighborhoods, it is worth understanding the moment. After years of nothing but bad news, 2026 brought the first real relief:

• Vocancy rate: rose from 1.8% in 2024 to 2.9% in 2025, and the projection is to reach between 2.5% and 4.5% in large centers throughout 2026. In practice: more supply and less that queue of thirty people to visit the same apartment.
• 4½ Sole Proprietor: Average asking price dropped from $1,745 CAD in Q1 2025 to $1,640 CAD in Q1 2026, a 6% drop in twelve months.
• Average asking rent in the city: was around $1,900 CAD in mid-2026, considering all unit types.
• Annual adjustment: TAL set the base percentage at 3.1% for 2026, with a new method based on the three-year CPI average.

In other words: the market stopped getting worse, but fell from a very high base. It’s still expensive, but now it’s possible to negotiate.

Read also: “9 rules that every tenant needs to know before renting a property in Montreal”

Comparison by neighborhood

Important note: the values per neighborhood listed below are the photograph I took in 2023 and serve as a relative comparison basis, they clearly show which regions are more expensive and which are more accessible, and this hierarchy continues to apply. For updated absolute value, see rentals.ca or the SCHL/CMHC rental market report, updated monthly.

In 2023, the average rent in Montreal for a one-bedroom (unfurnished) apartment was approximately $1,549 CAD, 12% above the same rate in 2022.

Important tip! An important detail that you should pay attention to is the nomenclature used in Quebec in the real estate market, as it is different from anything you have ever seen. For example, 1 and 1/2 is a one-room, one-bathroom apartment, the famous kitnet; 2 and 1/2 are two rooms and a bathroom; 3 and 1/2 are 3 rooms and a bathroom, our famous bedroom and living room, with the kitchen being the third room. 4 and 1/2 is a two-quarter, most of the time, and 5 and 1/2 is a three-quarter. In today's post the focus will be on finding 1 and 1/2 apartments or studios (we already know them in Brazil).

What should you expect from Montreal’s cheaper neighborhoods?

Unfortunately, we live in a capitalist world where we get what we pay for, so don’t expect much from the neighborhoods I’ll list below in terms of mobility and amenities, as one of the most relevant points when it comes to rent prices in Montreal is undoubtedly public transport.

And the logic behind transport is quite simple, we live in a country where the climate is severe for at least 4 to 6 months a year, so it’s natural that the less you expose yourself to the cold, the better, right? Apartments close to Metro stations (at least a 5-minute walk) will always be the most expensive anywhere in the world, but here in Canada, they are competitively priced. In short, if you are looking for something economical, you will have to give up better mobility.

READ ALSO: “How to use public transport in Montreal”

Another point to highlight is that you should not expect to find semi-furnished properties when looking for more economical rental options. Generally apartments that offer a package (stove, refrigerator and dishwasher) are more expensive, so you should include these items in your budget. The consolation is that it’s easy to find second-hand prices on almost everything in Canada, especially for white goods.

Having a washing machine and dryer in your home is another luxury you need to put aside for a while, at least until you can afford something of better quality. Many condominiums offer shared laundry services, but in some cases you may have to do this outside the home.

And I’m not even going to talk about the garage and available parking, as it’s not the type of facility offered in smaller, more economical apartments, if you’re more in the center.

Here are some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Montreal for long-term accommodation in Montreal:

1. Vieux-Rosemont

Vieux Rosemont Walk to the Parc Olympique - Credits: Carl Campbell

• Location: Located in the center-east of the city.
• Community: The neighborhood is full of independent restaurants and stores, close to subway stations and lots of green space.
• Housing landscape: older, charming apartment buildings and newer condominiums,
• Mobility: The neighborhood is partially served by the green and orange subway lines.
• Neighborhood highlights: Proximity to Montreal Olympic Park.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,095 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment (14% drop in rent compared to 2022, 2023 data).
• Quick stay options in the area: Gîte du Survenant Montréal.

2. Montreal-North

Montreal North - Credits: Caribb

• Location: Situated along the Rivière des Prairies, in the northeastern part of the Island of Montreal.
• Community: Traditionally a working class community with some isolated middle class and upper class areas on the banks of the river. It is also home to one of the largest Haitian communities in Canada.
• Neighborhood highlights: Nearby is Montreal’s oldest church, dating back to 1749, and a historically rich 34-hectare park, but be aware of areas where there are no recorded crime rates such as the area between Avenue Papineau and Boulevard Saint-Michel.
• Mobility: There are no nearby metro lines and public transport coverage (buses) may be more limited in some regions to the north.
• Housing Landscape: Bungalow and two-story houses as well as newer apartment buildings.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,050 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment. (16% increase in rental value compared to 2022, data from 2023).
• Quick stay options in the area: Hotel Newstar and Days Inn by Wyndham Montreal East.

3. Pointe-aux-Trembles

Pointe aux Trembles - Credits: Parcours riverain - Ville de Montréal

• Location: This neighborhood is located on the eastern end of the Island of Montreal.
• Community: Recently became home to communities from Italy, Haiti and Algeria.
• Neighbourhood highlights: Pointe-aux-Trembles is where you’ll find Quebec’s tallest windmill, built in 1719, and the Pointe-aux-Prairies Natural Park. Crossing the Saint-Laurent River you access the Boucherville Islands, an unmissable activity in the summer.
• Mobility: The neighborhood is not served by metro lines, but has a reasonable bus network.
• Housing landscape: newer townhouses and contemporary apartment buildings as well as townhouses.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,150 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Quick stay options in the area: Best Western Plus Montreal East and Motel Le Paysan.

4. Lachine

Lachine - Credits: Guilhem Vellut

• Location: Located southwest of the Island of Montreal, between LaSalle and Dorval.
• Community: The charming neighborhood offers unique architecture and great restaurants. It is also the location of Montreal’s famous Lachine Canal.
• Mobility: The neighborhood is not served by subway lines, but it is possible to reach the green line by taking at least 20 minutes to the nearest station depending on your location.
• Housing landscape: Block of apartment buildings, as well as duplexes.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,420 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment. (54% increase in rental value compared to 2022, data from 2023).
• Quick stay options in the area: Hotels include the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Montreal Airport and the Kaynelly Guest House.

5. Laval

Laval des Rapides Laval - Credits: Wikimedia Commons

• Location: Laval is north of the Island of Montreal and is the largest suburb of Montreal (Here we will talk generally about the district, as Laval has many neighborhoods).
• Community: Laval is a prosperous city with large commercial and industrial centers and is home to communities from Italy, Greece, the Middle East, Romania and Portugal.
• Mobility: The neighborhood is partially served by the orange metro line with only 3 stations. It has a smaller fleet of buses compared to Montreal, which influences frequency and waiting time.
• Housing landscape: Detached houses and condominium buildings.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,365 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment. (11% increase in rental value compared to 2022, data from 2023).
• Quick stay options in the area: Hôtel Ô Laval and Olux Hotel Motel & Suites.

6. Longueuil

Longueuil - Credits: Wikimedia Commons* Location: The city of Longueuil is located in front of the Island of Montreal, on the south bank of the Saint-Laurent River (Like Laval, it is a district with some neighborhoods of its own).

• Community: The largest community is people from Europe, as well as Black, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and South Asian people. Longueuil is home to three natural parks as well as a wildlife reserve and has a strong aerospace industry.
• Mobility: Like Laval, the neighborhood is partially served by the yellow metro line with just one station.
• Housing Landscape: Wide range of housing available, from bungalow homes and two-story detached homes, to older apartment buildings and modern condominiums.
• Average rent: Approximately $1,110 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment. (15% increase in rent compared to 2022, data from 2023).
• Quick stay options in the area: Many hotel options available, including the Holiday Inn Montreal-Longueuil, Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil, and Hôtel Le Dauphin Montréal-Longueuil.

Where to look for cheaper rentals in Montreal

Now that you have an idea of the most affordable neighborhoods to rent, you’ll need some tips and resources to start your search. So, here are some helpful resources to help you in your search:

Online

There is a wide selection of online sites designed to help you find long-term accommodation in Montreal. Here are some of the most popular ones that you can use in your research:

1. Airbnb: When it comes to finding long-term accommodation, Airbnb has many options available. You can search in the exact neighborhood you’d like to live in, adjust the length of your stay, the number of guests including children, even select pet-friendly accommodations. You also have access to photos, a list of included amenities, and property and host reviews to help you make your decision.
2. PadMapper: Padmapper is an online search engine designed to make apartment hunting easier. You can use the search tools to select the rent range you’re willing to pay, the number of bedrooms, and whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term accommodation. It also has a map feature where you can widen or narrow your search.
3. Kijiji: Kijiji is an online classifieds service, similar to OLX in Brazil. Anyone can advertise long-term accommodation, which helps research the market but also requires caution. Do not send money before visiting the property, confirming the owner’s identity and checking the contract. See also the official guidance on housing fraud.
4. Centris: Centris is a website that contains a huge database of many real estate agents in Montreal, so it is possible to have access to hundreds of offers in one place.
5. Zumper: Similar to Centris, it is also a type of advertising hub that can help you in your search.
6. Montreal Apartments/Logements Montréal: This public Facebook group connects people looking for an apartment as well as those looking to sublet their apartment. The group has more than 63,000 members.

Good old word of mouth

If you already have family, friends and co-workers in Montreal and the GTA, then these people are a great resource for finding long-term accommodations. Let them know before you arrive in Canada that you are looking for a place to stay and ask them to keep you in mind if they hear anything. Make use of the network you already have in your new home to help you in your search! You can do this in one of the Montreal’s most active Brazilian groups on Facebook.

Community Services

Many cities and towns have organizations that serve newcomers to Canada. One of the ways they can help immigrants is to find suitable accommodation. See if there’s a service nearby and take advantage of free, confidential advice. A list of services from Montreal newcomers is also available. 

Walking around

If you arrive in Montreal outside of the coldest period (November to April) you can explore the city yourself in search of your next home. It is common to find signs spread around the city with rental offers. In larger condominiums you can be assisted by a concierge on duty and arrange to see the property with him. Although this type of search can be a bit exhausting, being able to see the location and nearby facilities in the neighborhood live is still an interesting experience.

Confusing Signage Font Stock Photos

Realtors and Housing agents in Montreal

The real estate market has grown a lot in Montreal and to the happiness of Brazilians, many of us have invested in careers in this market, so today it is much easier to find service providers in this sector. For those who are not yet confident with the language or even the local culture for this type of transaction, these professionals can lend a helping hand. They can be easily found in Brazilian groups on Facebook where you can quickly do some checks on the professional’s reputation. Just be careful whether it is actually regulated in Montreal, as real estate agents need a certificate and license number to operate.

Housing services, very common today, are basically people who act as intermediaries, bridging the gap between clients and brokers. They can offer help when locating the property based on your profile and even include services such as facilitating contract negotiation, delivering the apartment pre-furnished and a reception desk.

My only reservation is regarding availability and priority in service in the economic context, as we are talking about low-cost rentals, where this professional does not have much to gain from the operation.

Tips for finding cheaper rentals in Montreal

Finding a place to live in Montreal is one thing, finding long-term accommodation that fits your budget is quite another, so here are some tips that can help you with this task:

1. Trade

Maybe you’ve found the perfect long-term accommodation in the right neighborhood, but it’s out of your budget. If it’s being rented by the month, ask if they can negotiate the price for a long-term stay or for paying in full upfront if you plan to stay for a month or longer. Even though it’s not the best time to do so, it doesn’t hurt to try a bit of discretion before signing the contract.

2. Search in late fall or winter

The spring and summer months are popular times to move to Canada. This is when university is on break or families want to settle down before the kids go back to school in September. Therefore, there is more competition or you may find that your options are more limited to more expensive accommodation. If you can, search later in the fall, during the winter or early spring when demand is low.

3. Consider balancing other expenses

Remember my conversation about price versus mobility in Montreal? Well, although housing is typically one of the biggest expenses in your budget in Canada (it can consume 40 to 50% of your income), when it comes to finding the right accommodation in Montreal, consider other expenses too, such as public transportation. For example, a cheaper rent in the suburbs of Montreal isn’t so cheap if you’re also paying additional costs to travel by Exo (train) or paying for more expensive transportation passes to your work or college.

Remember that you may need to include in your budget the purchase of basic appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher, as in low-cost rentals you may not find these facilities.

Consider other monthly expenses too, including utilities like electricity and gas, which aren’t usually included in your rent, as well as other expenses like home internet or parking costs. I will write about this soon.

In short, put all the costs on the scale to see what is really worth it, as paying a much lower rent may not necessarily be a saving if you have to compensate this amount with many extra costs as I mentioned.

Data sources

All the information about price and market that I listed in this article was extracted through research I carried out on the most relevant real estate websites in Montreal, so some prices may not reflect reality depending on a specific location, as they are averages based on the number of properties available at the time this post was written.

It is good to remember that you should not be blindly guided by the prices described here. Whenever you can, use all the tools and websites I listed in the post to get a more private view of your profile. As I said in my video, Canada is going through economic turmoil and added to this, it has one of the least affordable real estate markets in the world at the moment due to the large number of immigrants arriving every year.

Concluding

Finding the right short- and long-term accommodation is an important first step to moving to another country. The only recipe for success I can give you is, research, research and research!!! That way, you’ll be in a better position to start your new life in Montreal on the right foot. And do this long before you think about arriving to include this factor in your budget planning.

I hope this information helped once again. If you want more tips like this, sign up for our newsletter to receive updates about life in Quebec and your first steps as a newcomer.

See you in the next post! 😉