Montreal on a Student Budget: Surviving and Thriving for Under $1,000/Month

Living in Montreal (and nearby Laval or Longueuil) on a tight budget requires smart planning and local know-how. In 2025, basic monthly costs for a student in greater Montréal (excluding tuition) can run well above $1,200 if not optimized. For example, one survey of international students found average rents around C$803, utilities ~$52, groceries ~$301, and transit ~$56 per month – a total of roughly $1,256. With careful strategies, however, it’s possible to bring living costs down near $1,000. This guide outlines up-to-date figures (as of 2025) and concrete tips for each expense category, plus budget tables for Montréal, Laval, and Longueuil. We cover housing hacks, cheap groceries, transit deals, discounted mobile/internet plans, health coverage, student discounts, side gigs, and community resources – all aimed at helping students survive and thrive on under C$1,000/month.

Understanding 2025 Student Living Costs in Montréal

Before cutting costs, it’s important to know typical expenses. Recent data show roughly:

• Housing: Shared or student housing in Montréal averages C$650–950/month, whereas a private one-bedroom can cost $1,200–$1,700. On average, students report paying about $803 for a room in a shared apartment. Housing is the single biggest expense, so sharing with roommates is key to staying under $1,000.

• Food: Groceries run about $250–$400 monthly if you cook at home. Eating out is far more expensive (budget $10–25 per meal out), so cooking from basics (rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs) is recommended. A survey found students spending roughly $300 on food (groceries + incidentals) per month.

• Transport: A full 30-day STM transit pass in Montréal (Zone A) costs $62–$63 with a student OPUS discount. (The regular adult fare is ~$104.) If you live in Laval or Longueuil and use Montréal transit, a combined Zone A+B pass is ~$99 for students. So with the OPUS card, budget about $60–$100 for public transit. Optional bike-share (BIXI) adds only $23/month for unlimited 45-minute rides.

• Utilities: Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water) for an apartment run roughly $100–$150/month. If you split with roommates, your share might be $50–$75.

• Internet & Mobile: Many students pay about $50/month for home internet and another $30–$50 for a phone plan. We detail cheap plan options below, but roughly budget $80 total.

• Health Insurance: Quebec’s public RAMQ plan is free for eligible residents (including many international students from countries with agreements). Others (or those waiting for RAMQ) need private insurance ($600–$900/year, i.e. ≈$50–$75/mo). Some universities bundle student health/dental plans ($300–$800/year). For minimal budgets, students often rely on campus health clinics and community centers (see below) to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

• Leisure & Miscellaneous: Even tight budgets need some fun. Plan for $0–$60 per month, using student discounts and free events to minimize this. Many festivals and attractions offer free days or student pricing (see Entertainment section below).

In sum, adding up basic expenses (with frugal assumptions) can reach ~$1,200–$1,300. To survive under $1,000, one must aggressively cut rent (find cheap shared housing), food (cook cheaply), and discretionary spending. The tips and strategies below show how to do exactly that.

Affordable Housing and Short-Term Rentals

Share with roommates. By far the most impactful savings comes from splitting rent. Instead of renting a one-bedroom alone, join a 3–4 bedroom unit. Student housing websites and local forums (Kijiji, Facebook groups) often list room shares. For example, student housing services note shared apartments (4–5 bedrooms) can bring rent down to ~$650–$950per person. Even cheaper: some students report paying $450–$600 for a room by renting a bedroom in a larger sublet or older building, especially outside downtown.

Where to search: Use student-specific platforms like VanMates, ScholarSavenue, or Roomlala, and general sites (Kijiji, Craigslist, Marketplace). University housing boards also help (McGill/Concordia groups for roommates). Look in neighborhoods near metro lines: Côte-des-Neiges, NDG, Mercier–Hochelaga, or Verdun often have lower rents. In Laval or Longueuil (zones B), rents are generally a bit cheaper, but factor transit cost if studying downtown.

Short-term/sublets: If arriving mid-year or for shorter stays, consider sublets or Airbnbs for 1-3 months. Hostels and student residences may offer temporary rates in late summer. Some buildings hold unfilled leases as “flex housing” that students rent by term. For example, VanMates lists sublet rooms around $700–$900 per month. Always check that utilities are included or reasonably split.

Negotiate and consider timing: Leases in August are most competitive; by late summer, some landlords may offer deals. If lease terms allow, sign an 8-month student contract (Sep–Apr) for a slight discount versus 12 months. Also, consider rent-geared-to-income (RGI) co-ops or university-affiliated residences if you qualify (often for very low rents, though demand is high).

Eating Well on a Budget: Grocery Stores and Discounts

Cooking at home is vastly cheaper than eating out. In Montréal, grocery chains like Super C and Maxi are known for low prices. (Super C even gives a 10% student discount on C$40+ purchases [Mon–Wed].) Take advantage of weekly flyers (available online and in flyers) and apps for coupons. Milk, eggs, rice, beans, pasta, and seasonal produce tend to stay cheapest.

A typical monthly grocery budget for a thrifty student might be $200–$300 if you shop sales and avoid prepared foods. Many students report spending around $300/month on groceries. To stretch it: buy staples in bulk (cost-per-unit drops), and consider warehouse stores like Costco if you have enough roommates to split purchases.

Hidden gems: Visit Jean-Talon and Atwater markets (especially farmers’ markets) for fresh produce at competitive prices. Midday or late evenings, vendors often mark down veggies and fruits. Ethnic grocery stores (PA, Adonis, Asian markets on Blvd St-Laurent) have cheap rice, spices, and halal meats. Small local markets like Segal’s (Plateau) or Fruiterie Milano (Little Italy) are popular with students for their affordable fruits/veggies. Zero-waste shops (Loco, Méga Vrac) let you buy exactly the quantity you need, reducing waste and cost for grains, nuts, oils.

Discount shopping: Check out Costco (with a shared membership) for bulk snacks/toiletries, and Bulk Barn for spices and grains by weight. Many students also use dollar stores (Dollarama) for inexpensive pantry items and household basics.

Free or low-cost food: Campaigns like Montreal’s “À la carte,” street pantries (e.g. free fruit stands), and the community fridge movement sometimes offer free produce. Also, universities and some churches have campus pantries or meal programs. For example, McGill’s SSMU “Safewalk Pantry” provides free snacks and supplies to students in need.

Transportation: STM, OPUS Discounts, and BIXI Bikes

Getting around Montréal is quite affordable thanks to public transit. STL (Laval) and RTL (Longueuil) systems integrate with STM under ARTM’s zoning. Key transit tips:

• OPUS Card: Get a reloadable OPUS smartcard and register it. For Montréal’s Zone A, the 30-day “All Modes” student pass is ~$62–$63 (unlimited bus, metro, and REM). This is much cheaper than pay-per-ride ($3.50+). To qualify, get a photo OPUS card at STM customer service with proof of student status. For Laval/Longueuil commuters who need Zones A+B, the student monthly pass is about $98.75. Zone A–C (including North Shore) is ~$120. These are still excellent values for unlimited travel. Note: a reduced OPUS (student) pass requires at least 8 uses per month; otherwise it reverts to regular fare at $104.50, so use it often.

• Per-ride: A single STM fare is $3.50, so even weekly shopping or one-night-out with multiple rides can add up. The monthly pass pays off if you ride the metro/bus often (e.g. even 20 round-trips monthly gets you ~$140, more than the pass).

• BIXI Bike Share: Montréal’s bike-sharing system (BIXI) is a student gem for spring–fall. A $23 monthly BIXI membership gives unlimited 45-minute rides, after which the incremental cost is only 18¢/min. This can replace short bus trips in summer, saving you the $60 transit fee entirely if you mostly bike. Plus it’s healthy and fun.

• Other options: If you live close to campus, a bicycle (bought used for $50–$100) or walking can eliminate transit costs. For occasional off-hours trips, Uber/Lyft pools or taxis ($10–$15 for a 5 km ride) can be used sparingly (they cost ~$15–20 each way).

• Student discounts: Check if your university offers subsidized transit. For example, Concordia’s U-Pass (for full-time students) is included in fees. If you qualify, it covers unlimited STM rides free. Also, Quebec students aged 17–25 get cheaper monthly fares on select networks.

• Car shares/carpooling: Rare for under-$1000 budgets, but worth mentioning: services like Communauto offer cheap car rentals by the hour. Carpool apps like Kangaride or AmigoExpress can be used for occasional intercity trips.

Mobile and Internet: Deals Under $50/Month

Canadian telecom is notorious for high prices, but savvy shoppers can spend under $50/month total for phone and home internet.

Mobile plans: MVNOs (value carriers) offer steep discounts:

• Public Mobile (Telus network) – 20 GB for $40/month (or more in occasional promos).

• Lucky Mobile (Bell network) – 55 GB for $32/month (with auto-pay, and free month for students).

• Koodo (Telus) – 27 GB for $30/month after bonuses.

• Fizz (Videotron) – often has $35-40 plans for ~8-10 GB (good in Québec, esp. rural).

• Chatr/Voila (Rogers) – $25–$35 for a few GB.

• Bell/TELUS student promos – e.g. Rogers runs a “Student Infinite” plan 100GB for ~$50. If you can stretch to $49–$50, Rogers’ student plan gives 100 GB, one of the largest data allowances.

Choose prepaid/no-contract to avoid surprises. Always bring your own phone to avoid device financing. Compare current offers (WhistleOut or mobile carriers) before choosing. In general, a $30–$40 plan can cover unlimited calls/text and 20–60 GB of data – plenty for a student.

Internet (home): Home internet is tough under $50, but some small ISPs have introductory offers:

• TekSavvy (resells cable/DSL) offers unlimited 40 Mbps for ~$33/month (for 12 months) and 100 Mbps for ~$49. (After year 2, prices jump, so you can switch providers or renegotiate annually.)

• VMedia or Distributel often run $50 promos for 100–200 Mbps.

• Videotron has cheap plans (~$50 for 60–100 Mbps), and sometimes student promos.

• Bell’s off-peak plan offers a slower speed for ~$50, but restricts daytime usage.

• If your dorm/campus provides free Wifi, you could skip home internet or opt for a mobile hotspot plan ($30–$50 for 10–20GB) to supplement.

• Another tactic: share wifi with roommates or family (dividing the bill), or use library/Campus eduroam Wi-Fi for most needs.

According to a comparison guide, TekSavvy’s basic cable plan is only $32.95/mo (12 months) for unlimited data. Even 5G home internet (e.g., Freedom Mobile Home plan) can be around $50. In any case, under-$50 internet generally means slower speeds (25–50 Mbps) with data caps, but that’s often enough for one student who prioritizes Netflix/downloads off-campus wifi when possible.

Health Coverage: Free and Low-Cost Options

Healthcare in Quebec is generally covered by the RAMQ public insurance, but international students might need a few months before it kicks in. Here’s the breakdown:

• RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance): Quebec’s provincial plan covers doctor visits and hospital care at no cost to those insured. Eligible students from certain countries (France, Belgium, etc.) can immediately join RAMQ. Others must wait typically 3–6 months (some universities help arrange emergency coverage in the interim). If you qualify, RAMQ eliminates big medical bills (doctor’s fees, hospital stays). Always carry your RAMQ card to clinics.

• University student insurance: Most universities automatically include a health plan in your fees (via StudentCare or equivalent). This usually covers basic meds, vision, and some dentist/ortho, at a group rate. Costs vary widely (roughly $300–$800 per year). If you have this, use it! It can cover prescriptions and some procedures, reducing out-of-pocket spending.

• Private Insurance: If RAMQ isn’t available and you lack a university plan, you may buy private travel or health insurance. Companies like Guard.me or Blue Cross charge $600–$900/year ($50–$75/mo) for comprehensive coverage. In an ultra-tight budget, you might opt for a minimal plan just for emergencies.

• Free/low-cost clinics: Montréal has many community clinics where you can get healthcare on a sliding scale or free. For example, CLSCs (local health centers) offer free basic services to anyone holding RAMQ; non-insured may pay or get help from charitable funds. Clinics like Head & Hands provide free medical care to youth (12–25) regardless of insurance. Some sexual health clinics (Clinique Universitaire de Médecine Générale at McGill, Centre Simone de Beauvoir at UQAM) offer free or low-cost consultations for STI testing and contraception.

• Telehealth: As a McGill example, telehealth services (Maple, Dialogue, keep.meSAFE) let you call or video-chat with a doctor 24/7 at little or no cost through student plans. Provincial Info-Santé (dial 811) gives free nurse advice any time. Pharmacies also offer free flu shots, blood pressure checks, and minor ailment consults.

In practice, most students rely on RAMQ or student insurance for major care, and use campus or public clinics for everything else. Prioritize routine care early (get meds, glasses, dental check before you run out of insurance coverage).

Student Life Hacks: Textbooks, Clothes, Entertainment and Discounts

Textbooks and Supplies: Textbooks can be shockingly expensive. Save by: buying used, sharing, or renting. Many campus bookstores (McGill Bookstore, UofM Co-op, Concordia Bookstore) sell “used” or rental copies at 30–50% off. University online classifieds and Facebook groups (e.g. “Textbook Exchange” or “Free and For Sale” pages) are gold mines for second-hand books. Also, check Amazon.ca for used copies, or ask librarians to find eBook versions. For short-term use, renting or borrowing from the library can cut costs by ~40%. Always verify course requirements – professors may allow older editions which are much cheaper. For stationery, dollar stores or student services fairs often distribute free pens, notebooks, and even coupons.

Clothing: Montréal has a vibrant thrift and vintage scene. Budget stores like Village des Valeurs (Goodwill), Le Chaînon, and local consignment shops offer quality clothes for a few dollars each. Popular vintage/secondhand stores include Annex Vintage (Mile End), Empire Exchange, Eva B./Eva D., and Kitsch ‘n’ Swell – you can find stylish outfits at a fraction of retail price. Outlets like Winners/TJX, Century 21, or outlet malls (Paquette, Rive Nord) are good for brand-name items on sale. For seasonal needs (e.g. winter coats), check community swaps (often organized by student unions) or Facebook Marketplace for cheap deals.

Entertainment & Culture: Montréal is full of low-cost and free happenings: free festivals, museum nights, community events. For instance, Nuit Blanche (part of Montréal en Lumière) offers free art installations and concerts in February. The Jazz Festival and POP Montreal have numerous free outdoor shows. Every Sunday summer, the Tam-Tams drum circle at Parc Mont-Royal is a free weekly dance party. Many museums have “pay-what-you-wish” nights (e.g. MFA on first Sunday of each month). Student cards get discounts at cinemas (e.g. Cinémathèque, Cineplex CineClub), sports events, concerts, and restaurants.

Take advantage of campus events: universities host free concerts, movie nights, and clubs (some charge minimal dues for supplies). The “Accès Montréal” card (for residents) gives half-off or free museum entries and 2-for-1 deals. Student-run radio, improv, and theater groups often do low-cost shows. And every season sees free outdoor movie screenings, “BIXI Cinema” nights (outdoor movie via BIXI bikes), and festival fringe events in parks.

Student Discounts Everywhere: Always ask if a student rate exists. Many stores, gyms, software vendors, and even Netflix/Spotify offer student pricing. For example, Metro and Super C give supermarket discounts to cardholders; BIXI’s 23$/mo plan has been free for students some past summers. Loyalty programs (POUR from Provigo/Metro etc.) combined with student ID often yield decent savings. The key is to carry your student card and search “student discount Montreal [category]” online or on apps like RaiseatHome or Grouplove.

Sample Monthly Budget: Montréal, Laval, Longueuil

The tables below illustrate how a student might allocate $1,000 in each area by combining the cost data above and strict budgeting:

• Expense Category

  • Montréal ~$450 (room in 4-BR apt)~$400 (room in 3-BR)

  • Utilities (electricity/heating) $120$

  • Internet (home) $50

  • Mobile plan $40

  • Transit (monthly pass)$63 (Zone A student pass)$99 (Zones A+B)$99 (Zones A+B)

  • Groceries & Essentials $230

  • Health insurance $0 (RAMQ eligible)

  • Other (clothes, fun, misc.) $50

  • Total $1,000$

Obviously, individual budgets vary. A more generous budget might allocate more for housing or food. But these tables show that by seeking the cheapest rent and using student discounts, hitting roughly $1,000 is possible in each location.

Working Part-Time and Freelancing

Even a part-time income can bridge gaps. Under Canada’s rules, full-time international students (with a valid study permit) may work off-campus up to 20 hours/week during semesters (full-time in summer) without a separate work permit. Local students can work as much as their visa allows. Quebec’s minimum wage (as of 2025) is $15.75/hour, so even 15 hours/week at $16/hr yields ~$960/month before taxes. Many students find on-campus jobs (library, research assistant, teaching assistant, cafeteria), tutoring roles (subject tutoring or language exchange), or service-industry positions (restaurants, retail) to earn extra. Internships (especially co-ops for engineering/business students) can pay $18–$25/hr.

For more flexible work, students can freelance or do gig work: tutoring (online or in-person), graphic design, coding, rideshare (if you have a permit), or on-demand delivery (food or groceries). Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or local Facebook groups list freelance gigs. If you freelance, remember to declare income to Revenu Québec; as a student, small earnings may not require much tax but still follow the law.

Volunteer gigs can also lead to paid roles. For instance, volunteering at music festivals (Osheaga, Jazzfest) can net you free passes and sometimes modest stipends or networking that leads to part-time work. Keep a résumé and LinkedIn profile ready, and visit your school’s career centre for part-time job listings. At minimum wage (~$15.75), working 10–15 hours weekly (the allowed max) can cover a few hundred dollars in rent or groceries, easing the budget.

Community Resources, Discounts, and Food Banks

Montréal’s communities offer many resources for students on a shoestring:

• Community and Campus Pantries: Organizations like Moisson Montréal and local food banks provide free groceries to those in need. Alarmingly, studies show 14% of food bank clients are post-secondary students, with usage up over 500% in recent years. If you find yourself in dire straits, visit a local food bank (there are many borough-based ones in Montreal, plus Cummings Centre, Moisson Laval, etc.). Universities also have food initiatives: McGill’s SSMU Pantry and Concordia’s Eat Well project let any student take free nonperishables.

• Student Cards: Carry your ISIC or student ID. Many businesses honor student discounts. For example, STM offers reduced-fare OPUS cards (as above). Pharmacies, museums, cinemas, gyms, and even some clothing stores will validate IDs for lower rates. There are also city-issued cards (e.g. Access Montréal card) that give 2-for-1 attractions, library privileges, and seniors/free-discounted programs (students might qualify for some). Always ask “Do you have a student or youth rate?”

• Free Events and Offerings: Keep an eye on event calendars and university bulletin boards. Free language exchange meetups, club nights, and workshop series happen constantly. Montreal Public Libraries have free memberships (e.g. BAnQ, its downtown branch, offers quiet study space and free digital resources). You can often rent bikes or skates at community centers. Montreal’s Cultural Access cards (for low-income residents) can give free/cheap entries to shows or museums.

• Health and Legal Aid: Students can access free or low-cost counselling via campus services. Also, legal aid clinics (e.g. CLSC’s Social Workers, or the McGill Legal Aid Clinic) can help with issues like tenancy rights, provincial exam appeals, etc. For mental health, beyond the student wellness centre, groups like AIDES (for LGBTQ) or Head & Hands (for youth) offer free counseling.

• Miscellaneous: Look for community giveaways (Facebook groups often have people giving away furniture or books). The university-run Solidarity or Sustainability clubs sometimes host clothing swaps or leftover meal tables. Seasonal coat drives and emergency funds (administered by student governments) can help if things get really tight.

By tapping these networks, you can save on everything from groceries to textbooks to fun activities. Montréal is a relatively generous city – if you look, there are freebies everywhere to help students live lean.

Sources

Throughout this guide, we’ve used current 2025 data from Montréal student living guides and official sources. For example, cost breakdowns are drawn from recent surveys and official transit fare schedules. Tips on groceries and discounts come from local blogs and store promotions. Health coverage and work rules are quoted from university advice sites. (All figures above are cited.)

Living on under $1,000 in Montréal (or Laval/Longueuil) is challenging but doable with determination. By choosing affordable housing, cooking smart, exploiting student discounts, and supplementing income, students can cover their bases and even enjoy city life. Remember – nearly everything costs less if you do it student-style: share and reuse, swap ideas with friends, and stay curious for free experiences. Montréal’s vibrant culture has much to offer even on a shoestring, and with these strategies, you’ll not just survive, you’ll thrive.