Cost of Living in Montréal: A Comparison between the Cost of Living in an Apartment versus Homestay with Montréal Number 1 Homestay

Note: Prices listed below DO NOT INCLUDE costs for an upfront deposit, furniture, cleaning, renovation or decoration and are an average cost taken from cities found within the Island of Montréal.

Total each MONTH

Item

2 ½[1]

3 ½[2]

4 ½[3]

5 ½[4]

6 ½[5]

Homestay Plan

Bed & Breakfast

Room Rental

Rent

500

725

825

1050

1250

FREE

FREE

525

Gas/Electricity

40

60

75

100

120

FREE

FREE

FREE

Telephone

50

50

50

50

50

FREE

FREE

Varies

Cable

60

60

60

60

60

FREE

FREE

NO

Internet[6]

45

45

45

45

45

FREE

FREE

NO

Washing of clothes[7]

20

20

20

20

20

FREE

FREE

NO

Food[8]

600

600

600

600

600

FREE

Breakfast only

NO

Personal Counselor Activities/24hrs access

NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

FREE

FREE

NO

Total for Month

$1315

$1560

$1675

$1925

$2145

$840/$760

$600

$525

**All figures are in Canadian Dollars; Rent for apartments does vary, and is usually based on signing for one year.

What if You Shared an Apartment?

Montréal is so popular that it is very difficult to find an apartment, and prices are on the rise!  Therefore, it is often a last resort to even share an apartment.  Many problems can arise when choosing a roommate.  Will he/she be a complete stranger?  Please know that roommates often fail to pay their share of rent, can be very messy and irresponsible and they may eat your food and use your personal belongings!  We recommend that if you really want to eventually settle into an apartment, you should first come to Montréal and stay with a family for a minimum period of three months.  This will enable you to discover Montréal and become accustomed to the city.  By choosing Homestay first, you will be able to meet new people through Montréal Number 1 Homestay’s Activities and Counselling Services.  This way, you can choose a roommate wisely.  Your friends at Montréal Number 1 Homestay want to make sure that your stay is well organized, very safe, and extremely enjoyable!  So Register Now!  Space can be limited!

What if You Prefer to Live Alone?

It is important to know that few people in Montréal like to live alone, even if they are native Montréalers.  If you choose to live alone, be prepared for loneliness.  Students that have lived alone often complain that they do not learn their language skills very quickly and find it very difficult to concentrate on their studies and adapt to the Canadian culture.  They have noted that they were lonely, met fewer people, and did not always feel very safe.  Still, if you choose this path, we strongly recommend that you experience Homestay for a minimum period of three months to get familiar with your new city.  You can even ask your Host Family which are the best and safe areas in which to begin looking for an apartment.  They and the team at Montréal Number 1 Homestay would be more than happy to supply you with all the information you may need.  Furthermore, you should also inquire about the Canadian rental laws and your rights as a tenant.  

WANT TO STUDY ENGLISH IN MONTREAL?  CONTACT US FOR ADVICE!

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Montréal Number 1 Homestay

1242 Mackay Street

Suite 200

Montréal, Québec

Canada H3G 2H4

 Tel: 514-932-9027 Fax: 514-932-9060

Email: info@montrealnumber1homestay.com

www.montrealnumber1homestay.com

 


[1] 2 ½ can consist of 1 bedroom/living room, 1 kitchenette, and 1 bathroom.

[2] 3 ½ can consist of 1 bedroom, 1 small living room, 1 kitchenette, and 1 bathroom.

[3] 4 ½ can consist of 1 or 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1kitchenette, and 1 bathroom.

[4] 5 ½ can consist of 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 extra room, 1kitchenette, and 1 bathroom.

[5] 6 ½ can consist of 3 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 extra room, 1kitchenette, and 1 bathroom.

[6] Internet may be available in Homestay.

[7] Washing of clothing is available in most Homestays.

[8] Food varies, but students usually spend more than $200/week; restaurants, school lunches, dinners, etc.