Cost of Living in Montreal 2027: A Student Budget Guide

Montreal, Canada’s bilingual and second-largest city, is a top destination for international students looking for French-English immersion in a city that values high-quality education as much as multiculturalism.

With an extremely multicultural environment that promotes a rich and diverse lifestyle, it’s no wonder tens of thousands of international students come from over 150 countries each year to experience what the city has to offer.

Montreal is also ranked 20th in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 out of 150 cities, thanks to strong scores across indicators like student experience, diversity, desirability, and employer activity.

The city appeals to international students seeking to study in Canada, as it offers multiple reputable universities, including McGill University, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Concordia University, and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), making it easy for students to access high-quality education.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you all about the cost of living in Montreal in 2027 so you can plan your budget before arrival.

Student Visa Costs in Canada

Taking into account the costs of the Canadian student visa (study permit) is an essential part of the planning process. It’s best to apply for a study permit before coming to Canada.

To study in Canada as an international student, most applicants must apply for a study permit, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which allows you to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

A study permit is generally required for programmes lasting longer than six months. To apply, students must prepare several key documents, including:

• A letter of acceptance from a recognised DLI
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel
• A valid passport
• Any additional supporting documents required based on nationality or study plans

Most students are required to apply online before travelling to Canada and pay the standard fees, which typically include:

• CAD $150 for the study permit application
• Biometrics fees, if applicable

Bonus Pre-arrival Costs

• Health examinations
• English/French language tests (IELTS/TEF)
• Document translation (if needed)

Tip: Costs vary by location, provider, and individual circumstances. Always get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.

Quebec-Specific Requirements

Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec requires a separate Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), which costs $135 and must be obtained before applying for your study permit. Quebec also has higher proof-of-funds requirements.

As of January 2026, you must demonstrate at least $24,617 CAD for living expenses alone (vs $22,895 for other provinces), plus additional funds for tuition, travel, and settlement costs. The total proof-of-funds range also depends on your programme.

Even though these costs may seem higher, Montreal’s lower living expenses, especially rent and transportation, can offset the difference, compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Once the application is approved, students receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, which must be presented to Canadian border officials upon arrival to obtain a physical study permit.

To avoid any delays or refusals, it’s best to:

• Follow the official IRCC document checklist
• Ensure all financial and academic documents are accurate and up to date
• Seek guidance from authorised education advisors to help with visa requirements, document preparation, and the overall application process.

Annual Study & Living Costs

These are ongoing costs you should budget for each academic year.

Notes:

• Tuition: Average undergraduate tuition ranges from CAD $15,000 to $30,000 per year; graduate or professional programmes (like engineering, medicine, or MBA) may cost significantly more.
• Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory. International students are typically enrolled in their university's mandatory health insurance plan unless they qualify for RAMQ, which is available only to students from countries that have social security agreements with Quebec.

Living Expenses in Montreal for Students

Living in Montreal as an international student requires knowing what expenses you’ll be expected to pay. We break down the expenses students typically pay accordingly:

Cost of Living for International Students in Montreal

The cost of living in Montreal varies based on your personal preferences and lifestyle, including your choice of accommodation (private or shared), food expenses, and entertainment spending.

Student Accommodation Costs in Montreal

If you want to know how much student housing costs in Montreal, it’s important to determine the kind of accommodation you’re looking for.

Typical rent for accommodation in Montreal ranges between:

Popular student areas in Montreal: Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Côte-des-Neiges, Quartier Latin, Downtown, and Ville-Marie.

Note: Keep in mind that your monthly rent depends on the type of neighbourhood/student area and facilities included in the rent

Rent and Basic Utilities

We’ve listed the average prices for rent and basic expenses based on Numbeo data:

If you rent a private accommodation in Montreal like a studio, you’ll need to budget for utilities, including electricity, water, and gas. A student accommodation typically includes utility bills in the rent, for hassle-free budgeting.

Groceries

Groceries are an essential part of your expenses as a student in Montreal. These are some average staple food prices, provided by Numbeo.

If you mainly cook at home, expect to budget around CAD $250-500 per month for groceries in Montreal, depending on your diet, shopping habits, and whether you buy generic or premium items.

Numbeo data suggests a recommended monthly minimum food budget of around CAD $390-500 per person based on local food prices (e.g., milk, bread, eggs, rice, meat)

Money-Saving Grocery Tips

• Shop from budget-friendly grocery stores in Montreal like Segal, Sami Fruits, and Super C.
• Buy sale items in bulk whenever possible
• Have basic go-to recipes for minimal planning and effort

Estimated Monthly Transportation Budget for Students

Transportation in Montreal is efficient and affordable for students. The city’s transit system is operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), and you can get around Montreal using:

• Bus: Buses provide extensive coverage across the city, including residential and student areas.
• Metro: A fast, reliable, and ideal transport for daily commuting, especially in winter.
• Bike: Popular during warmer months, with dedicated bike lanes that make the bike commute convenient. BIXI bike-sharing is widely used by students, with monthly and seasonal passes available.
• Train (Exo commuter rail): Trains are useful for students living in outer suburbs.

• Taxi & Ride-hailing services: These are available citywide, though more expensive for daily use.
• Walking: Many student neighbourhoods, such as Downtown, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and Côte-des-Neiges, are highly walkable. Students living close to campus may find they can combine walking with occasional public transport use.

To qualify for the OPUS student card, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time at a recognised institution
• Apply for an OPUS card with photo
• Renew your student status annually

Here’s a quick summary of the OPUS student card:

Note: Zone A covers most of Montréal Island, where STM metro and city buses operate, and it’s the area where most students live and study. For Zones B and C (outside Montreal Island), student monthly passes are priced higher.

Montreal offers discounted public transport passes for students to help reduce monthly living costs, and most students in Montreal should expect to budget approximately:

• CAD $62.75 per month with a student STM pass or CAD $80–100 per month if using regular public transport or occasional taxis
• Lower costs if living close to campus or cycling regularly

Monthly Budget For Students in Montreal 2027

A low, average, and high-budget examples will make the picture clearer:

Note: Expenses may vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and university.

Living in Montreal offers international students the unique opportunity to access high-quality education, cultural diversity, and affordable living. By planning ahead, budgeting carefully, and taking advantage of student discounts on transport, groceries, and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable student lifestyle in this bilingual city. 

Whether you choose a shared apartment, a student residence, or a private studio, Montreal provides options for every budget while keeping you close to top universities and campus life. 

Ready to start your Montreal adventure? Explore Casita’s student accommodation listings to find your ideal home close to campus.