Settle in Montreal.
Affordable for a big city, with a rich culture. French is essential for most jobs and services.
What Montreal costs each month.
Typical ranges for a newcomer renting. Your costs depend on neighbourhood and household.
| Item | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom rent | $1,550–$1,900 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $1,900–$2,400 |
| Transit pass (OPUS) | about $110 |
| Groceries per adult | $400–$500 |
| Phone plan | $35–65 |
Monthly All Modes A (Zone A), from July 1, 2026. Rent ranges sit around average asking rents from the Rentals.ca/Urbanation National Rent Report (July–August 2026); individual listings vary widely by neighbourhood and building. Transit: STM fares (2026 adult fares). Groceries, phone, utilities and internet are SettleCanada estimates. Checked September 2026.
Where newcomers live in Montreal.
A starting point, not a ranking. Visit before you sign a lease.
Côte-des-Neiges
Diverse, near universities and hospitals, with a large Filipino and South Asian presence.
Parc-Extension
Dense and affordable, with a large South Asian community and good métro access.
Saint-Laurent
Near aerospace employers, with newer rentals and many newcomer families.
Brossard
South Shore suburb with a large Chinese community and REM access to downtown.
What Montreal runs on.
The biggest employers and sectors. Regulated professions need a provincial licence.
Renting in Montreal.
Expect competition for good units. Start with a short-term stay, view places in person, and never pay a deposit before verifying the landlord. Health coverage in Quebec is through RAMQ.
Settlement services
- Find free newcomer services near you (IRCC)
- Québec immigration ministry and French courses
- 211 Grand Montréal
Free, government-funded agencies help with housing, jobs, language classes and forms.
Communities in Montreal.
Guides for newcomers from these countries include local community groups and tips.
Chinese community
Sri Lankan community
Filipino communityYour first 30 days in Montreal.
The same steps as everywhere in Canada, with the local details filled in.
Montreal · first 30 days
- Apply for your SIN at Service Canada
- Open a bank account
- Get a OPUS card
- Apply for RAMQ
- Visit a local settlement agency
- Sign a lease after viewing the unit
Settling in Montreal?
One practical email a week, with local tips.
