Blog 5 Neighbourhoods 5 The 5 cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Montreal

The 5 cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in Montreal

6 min read
Greg Park

Greg Park

Creative Content Writer at liv.rent

Published on July 24, 2024

Compared to other major Canadian cities, Montreal has relatively cheap rental rates, though prices vary greatly depending on which neighbourhood you’re looking to rent in. Each area of Montreal has a completely different feel from one another – not to mention a range of prices as one moves further away from the city centre. To help simplify your search, liv.rent, Canada’s safest rental platform, has compiled this list of some of the cheapest places to rent in Montreal.


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  • 1. Hochelaga-Maisonneuve


    Average rent in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

    As of May 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is $1,381/month, according to our latest Rent Report. A two-bedroom unit offers even better value, at an average of just $1,766/month.


    Neighbourhood breakdown: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

    About: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, often called HoMa, is a vibrant, up-and-coming neighbourhood with a rich history. Known for its affordable rents, it’s perfect for young professionals and families. The area offers a lively arts scene, excellent local eateries, and proximity to the beautiful Parc Maisonneuve and the iconic Montreal Botanical Garden.

    Proximity to Downtown Montreal: Getting to Downtown Montreal from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve typically takes about 20-30 minutes by car or 30-40 minutes by bus.

    Rental types: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve features a mix of older, character-filled apartments and newly renovated lofts, often in historic buildings. You’ll find a variety of rental options from charming walk-ups to modern, converted spaces.


    2. Ahuntsic-Cartierville


    Average rent in Ahuntsic-Cartierville

    An unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Ahuntsic-Cartierville rents for $1,390 per month according to our latest Rent Report for May 2024. Two-bedroom unfurnished units are currently the cheapest in the city to rent, at an average of $1,710.


    Neighbourhood breakdown: Ahuntsic-Cartierville

    About: Ahuntsic-Cartierville is a peaceful, family-friendly neighbourhood with plenty of green spaces, such as Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation. It boasts convenient access to public transportation and a variety of local shops and restaurants. This area is ideal for those seeking a quieter residential feel with easy access to downtown.

    Proximity to Downtown Montreal: The commute to Downtown Montreal from Ahuntsic-Cartierville generally takes about 25-35 minutes by car and 35-45 minutes by bus.

    Rental types: Renters in Ahuntsic-Cartierville can choose from a range of housing options, including spacious apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes. Many buildings are older but well-maintained, offering a mix of affordability and comfort.


    3. Villeray-Parc Extension


    Average rent in Villeray-Parc Extension

    Villeray-Parc Extension is the third-cheapest neighbourhood to rent in Montreal as of May 2024, with a monthly average rent price of $1,467. It also has the third least expensive two-bedroom unfurnished units, which cost an average of $1,793/month.


    Neighbourhood breakdown: Villeray-Parc Extension

    About: Villeray-Parc Extension, or Parc-Ex, is a diverse and bustling neighbourhood known for its multicultural atmosphere. It’s home to Jean-Talon Market, one of Montreal’s largest and most popular public markets, and boasts numerous parks and community centers. The area is ideal for those who enjoy vibrant, urban living with a strong sense of community.

    Proximity to Downtown Montreal: Traveling to Downtown Montreal from Villeray-Parc Extension usually takes about 20-30 minutes by car and 25-35 minutes by bus.

    Rental types: This neighbourhood offers a variety of rental options, from older, affordable apartments in Parc-Ex to more modern units in Villeray. Renters can find everything from cozy studio apartments to larger family-friendly spaces.


    4. Saint-Laurent


    Average rent in Saint-Laurent

    Saint-Laurent has rent prices well below Montreal’s city-wide average, with a one-bedroom unfurnished unit renting for an average of $1,551 per month.


    Neighbourhood breakdown: Saint-Laurent

    About: Saint-Laurent is a large, dynamic neighbourhood that combines residential comfort with industrial and commercial activity. It has excellent public transit options, numerous parks, and several shopping centers, making it convenient for daily living. It’s perfect for professionals working in nearby business hubs and families alike.

    Proximity to Downtown Montreal: The journey to Downtown Montreal from Saint-Laurent typically takes about 25-35 minutes by car and 35-45 minutes by bus.

    Rental types: In Saint-Laurent, you’ll find a mix of older, spacious apartments and newer condo developments. The area offers a range of rental prices, catering to various budgets and preferences, from affordable units to more luxurious living spaces.


    5. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce/Côte-des-Neiges


    Average rent in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce/Côte-des-Neiges

    Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Côte-des-Neiges have been combined for the purposes of our data collection, with the two neighbourhoods having an average monthly rent price of $1,628 for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit.


    Neighbourhood breakdown: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce/Côte-des-Neiges

    About: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Côte-des-Neiges are two adjoining neighbourhoods known for their cultural diversity and vibrant community life. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce offers a suburban feel with numerous parks and family-friendly amenities, while Côte-des-Neiges is more urban, with bustling streets and a variety of ethnic restaurants and shops. Both areas provide excellent access to public transit and are close to major universities.

    Proximity to Downtown Montreal: Commuting to Downtown Montreal from Notre-Dame-de-Grâce/Côte-des-Neiges generally takes about 20-30 minutes by car and 30-40 minutes by bus.

    Rental types: Renters in NDG/Côte-des-Neiges can choose from a wide range of options, including older, charming apartments, duplexes, and modern condo buildings. The area has both affordable rentals and higher-end properties, catering to students, professionals, and families.


    Average rent in Montreal

    As you can probably see, average rent prices vary greatly across Montreal’s different neighbourhoods and boroughs. Like most cities, Montreal’s Downtown tends to be one of the more expensive places in the city to live, but this can change depending on seasonal factors and demand. If you’re willing to put in the time, good deals on rent can be found in every part of the city, and prices can vary a lot even within neighbourhoods.

    To give you a better sense of rent prices in Montreal, here’s a quick breakdown of average rent for one-bedroom, unfurnished rentals, broken down by neighbourhood, as of May 2024. For more insights into rental rates in Quebec and other Canadian provinces, be sure to check out and download our monthly rent reports.

    average rent by listing type for unfurnished units in Montreal for the May 2024 liv rent report

    Where is the cheapest rent in Montreal?

    At present, the cheapest rent in Montreal can be found in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, where a one-bedroom unfurnished unit currently rents for $1,381/month.

    Rental rates are always fluctuating depending on seasonal factors and demand trends. For the most up-to-date results, keep an eye on our monthly Montreal Rent Reports.


    How to find cheap rent in Montreal

    Like many large Canadian cities, rent in Montreal can be expensive compared to areas with less demand for rentals. For Montreal renters looking to safely and easily find a place to rent within their budget, liv.rent is the perfect choice. Best known as Canada’s safest rental platform, liv.rent manually verifies both landlords and listings to keep renters safe, giving you peace of mind while you navigate the Montreal rental market.

    If you’re looking to automate your rental search and save time finding your perfect home, try using liv.rent’s listing alerts. These handy notifications help you take back your time by saving your criteria and alerting you whenever a new listing is posted. Filters include number of bedrooms, furnished vs. unfurnished, pet policy, and of course – budget. Here’s a quick video on how to set up listing alerts for yourself.



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