Temporary Accommodation in Montreal: Your Complete Guide Before You Settle
Finding a place to stay during your first few weeks in a new city can be one of the most stressful parts of relocating — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re coming to Montreal as an international student, a worker on a short-term contract, a newcomer transitioning to permanent residency, or even a digital nomad, this guide will help you navigate the options for temporary accommodation in Montreal.
To make things even easier, we’ve included a Stay22 map on this page, which compares listings across platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and more — all in one place.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Why Temporary Accommodation Matters
Temporary housing is your landing pad. It’s the bridge between arrival and finding your long-term home. It allows you to:
Get a feel for Montreal’s neighborhoods
Explore job or study options
Wait for paperwork to process (e.g. RAMQ, bank account, SIN)
Avoid rushed rental decisions
Many people stay in temporary housing for 2 to 12 weeks, depending on their situation.
What Kind of Temporary Accommodation is Available?
Montreal offers a wide range of temporary housing options to suit different budgets and lifestyles.
🏨 Hotels
Ideal for short stays (a few nights to a week)
Convenient but costly if extended
Prices range from $100 to $250 per night
🏠 Furnished Rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, Sonder, etc.)
Great for weekly or monthly stays
Usually include all utilities, Wi-Fi, and furniture
Monthly prices range from $1,200 to $2,800+, depending on location and size
🛏️ Short-Term Sublets
Found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Craigslist
Often more affordable than Airbnb, but less regulated
Range: $900–$1,800/month
🎓 Student Housing (if you're arriving before semester starts)
Dorm-style or apartment-style
Sometimes available for short-term rent
Check with McGill, Concordia, or UQAM housing offices
🧳 Hostels and Co-living Spaces
Ideal for solo travelers or students on a budget
Prices from $35–$70 per night
May offer shared kitchens, events, and workspaces
🚨 Refugee or Emergency Housing
If you’re arriving under a humanitarian program, check with local non-profits like Welcome Collective or YMCA Newcomer Services
Where Should You Stay? A Neighborhood Guide
Here are some popular neighborhoods and who they’re ideal for:
📚 For Students:
Milton-Parc / Plateau-Mont-Royal: Near McGill, full of cafes, walkable
Downtown / Shaughnessy Village: Close to Concordia, good transit access
👨👩👧👦 For Families:
Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: Safe, schools nearby, local markets
NDG (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce): Quiet, green, with parks and bilingual schools
💼 For Professionals:
Griffintown: Trendy, modern condos, walk to downtown
Ville-Marie: Central, accessible, mixed housing
💰 On a Budget:
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve: Cheaper rents, artsy vibe
Verdun: Affordable, on metro line, great river walk
What to Look for When Booking
Some essentials to keep in mind:
Furnished: Includes bed, table, kitchen basics
Wi-Fi & Utilities Included: Especially important for students and remote workers
Laundry Access: On-site or nearby laundromats
Public Transport Access: Check proximity to STM metro and bus lines
Flexible Cancellation Policy: Plans can change, especially during immigration processing
Real Price Ranges (As of 2025)
TypePrice Range (Monthly)Best ForHotels$2,500 – $6,000Very short staysAirbnb/Furnished$1,200 – $2,800+Comfort, privacySublets$900 – $1,800AffordabilityStudent Residences$600 – $1,000Student lifeHostels$1,050 – $2,100Backpackers, budget seekers
Note: Rates vary based on season. Prices are highest in June–August.
Tips to Save Money on Temporary Housing
📅 Book early – especially during festival season (summer, winter holidays)
🌆 Stay slightly outside downtown – rent drops fast after just 2–3 metro stops
🧳 Longer stays = better deals – many platforms offer discounts for weekly or monthly bookings
📢 Negotiate – some hosts offer better deals off-platform or for repeat stays
Red Flags to Avoid
🛑 Listings with no photos or only stock images
🛑 Prices that seem too good to be true
🛑 No contract or written agreement
🛑 Requests for cash payment only or wire transfers
Always ask for a receipt or confirmation and double-check the address on Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Temporary housing is your starting point — not your destination. Give yourself room to breathe, settle in, and explore neighborhoods before locking into a long-term lease. With the Stay22 map and this guide, you're already one step ahead.
Welcome to Montreal — your next chapter starts here. 🏡🇨🇦
