How to Find Affordable Student Housing in Montreal: Tips and Resources

Heading to Montreal for learning? That’s exciting — new city, new people, and a whole new chapter. But before you dive into classes and student life, you’ve got to figure out where you’ll live. And let’s be honest, finding a good place that doesn’t cost a fortune isn’t always easy.

Every year, thousands of students move to Montreal. That means places fill up fast, especially the ones that are well-located and reasonably priced. But don’t worry — with a bit of planning and the right approach, you can find something that works for your budget and your lifestyle.

Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

1. Start Looking Early

If there’s one tip every student will agree on, it’s this: don’t wait until the last minute. Apartments in Montreal, especially affordable ones, get snapped up quickly. The best time to start is a few months before your move — around May or June for September leases. Some people even begin in March.

The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have. And you won’t have to settle for something too far from campus or way over budget.

For students arriving in January, there are usually fewer listings, but still enough to choose from if you keep an eye out. And if you’re coming from abroad, check if the landlord can offer a video tour — most are used to it now.

2. Know Where to Search

Montreal has no shortage of rental platforms, but some are better than others for students.

• Check your university’s housing office. McGill, Concordia, and UdeM all have pages or Facebook groups where students post rentals, sublets, and roommate requests.
• Use Facebook groups like “Montreal Student Rentals” or “McGill Off-Campus Housing.” Lots of real people, real listings — just be cautious and don’t send money upfront.

• Kijiji and Craigslist still work. You’ll need to sift through some junk, but there are gems too.
• Louer.com, Rentals.ca, and Montreal-Aparthotel.com are more structured and let you filter by price, location, and whether it’s furnished.
• Café bulletin boards — yes, the old-school paper route. Especially in student-heavy areas like the Plateau, Mile-End, or NDG.

Stick to well-known sources, ask questions, and never pay anything before you’re 100% sure it’s legit.

3. Know Your Budget and What You're Really Paying For

It’s not just about the rent — you’ve got to look at the full picture. Some places include heating, electricity, or even internet. Others don’t, and those bills add up fast.

When you’re figuring out what you can afford, think about:

• Monthly rent
• Utilities (some landlords include them, some don’t — ask!)
• Internet
• Public transport, if you're not close to campus

• Laundry (is it in-unit? in-building? coin-operated?)
• Any furniture you might need to buy

A typical student budget in Montreal ranges from $700 to $1,000 a month. Of course, it depends on where you live and if you’re sharing. A 1 bedroom apartment Montreal in a central area can easily be over $1,200, while something further from downtown might be more manageable.

Don’t forget — places that seem more expensive sometimes include everything, while cheaper ones might leave you with a stack of monthly bills.

4. Look at Different Options

You don’t have to go the typical apartment route. There are a few ways to save money — or just find something that fits better.

Shared Apartments

Probably the most common option. You split the rent, bills, and cleaning. It’s cheaper, and you might make some good friends along the way. Just make sure the lease is in everyone’s name, or that expectations are clear.

Sublets

A lot of students go on exchange or head home for the summer. That means short-term, sometimes furnished rooms open up. These are usually cheaper, flexible, and perfect if you don’t want a full-year lease.

Furnished Studios

If you prefer living alone but don’t want the hassle of furniture shopping, check out furnished studios in Montreal. They’re small but cozy, and good for students who like their own space.

Private Student Residences

These are like dorms, but run by private companies. Often more modern, sometimes pricier, but everything is set up for students — furnished rooms, internet, and sometimes even cleaning services. If you’re new to the city, it can be a stress-free way to settle in.

Conclusion

Finding a place to live in Montreal as a student can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s definitely doable. Start looking early, explore different platforms, and be open to different kinds of housing. Don’t get discouraged if the first few listings don’t work out — keep searching, ask questions, and trust your gut.

Whether you end up in a shared apartment, a studio of your own, or something in between, the main thing is that you feel safe and comfortable. Your home should be a place to relax, study, and enjoy everything this city has to offer.

Montreal is an amazing place to study — and live. Once you’ve found your spot, the rest of your student experience will fall into place.