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Move-in cost estimator

See what your next rental will cost upfront and month to month before you visit or sign.

Real budget

Rent, deposit, utilities, and furniture.

Upfront costs

First month, movers, and basic purchases.

Safety buffer

A useful reserve before you commit.

City

To choose

Monthly utilities

$190

Moving

Same city · $700

Deposit

No

Monthly costs

What you may pay every month to live in the unit.

Enter the advertised or agreed rent.

Upfront costs

What is paid when you move into the unit.

Leave blank to use a baseline estimate based on move distance.

Add a budget if the unit is partly furnished or empty.

See the real cost of the rental

A clear view of one-time and monthly costs.

Planning your move

What a Quebec move actually costs

Most residential leases in Quebec end and start on July 1 — which creates a sharp bottleneck across moving companies, utilities and even retailers. Here are the costs to plan for, and the ones that are more negotiable than you'd expect.

The July 1 trap

Over 100,000 households move on the same date in Quebec. Movers regularly charge 50–100% more during the last week of June and the first week of July, and availability is scarce. Book 6–8 weeks ahead, or shift your move by a few days to lower the bill.

For a 4½ (two-bedroom) moved on the Island of Montreal, expect $600–$1,200 with a pro crew outside peak; $900–$2,000 around July 1. With friends and a rented truck, you drop to $200–$400 — at the cost of a long weekend and tighter logistics.

First month's rent + deposits (legally capped)

In Quebec, a landlord cannot collect more than the first month's rent at signing. No security deposit, no "last month's rent," no key deposit. Any extra demand is unlawful and can be challenged at the Tribunal administratif du logement.

Hydro-Québec may require a deposit from new customers without Quebec history — usually $100–$200, refunded after 12 on-time payments. Internet providers typically charge a $50–$100 install fee, sometimes waived during a promotion.

Tenant insurance

Insurance is not legally required, but virtually every large landlord's lease demands it. Typical tenant cost: $15–$30/month depending on coverage (liability from $1M, property around $30k). Most insurers offer a discount when bundled with auto insurance.

Get a certificate of insurance before move-in — that's what the landlord will ask for. A water leak caused by your dishwasher could otherwise leave you personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars in damage to the unit below.

Small line items that add up

Change of address (Canada Post — about $25 for 6 months), end-of-lease cleaning (often required by the lease), small repairs at the old place — easy to overlook, but cumulatively $100–$300.

Furnishing-wise: a fully empty 4½ (mattress, table, sofa, appliances if not included) runs $2,000–$5,000 new mid-range, or $500–$1,500 second-hand via Marketplace.

General information provided for guidance. For an assessment tailored to your situation, contact us.

Go further

What to check before move-in day

Documents the landlord can ask, the move-in inspection, and what the standard Quebec lease says.

What Documents to Ask a Tenant in Quebec?

Mandatory documents, optional documents, what you can't ask for, and a ready-to-use request template. Compliant with Quebec's Charter and Law 25.

Read — 8 min

Move-in inspection in Quebec: why it's your best landlord insurance

Move-in inspection isn't legally required in Quebec — but without it, proving damages at the TAL becomes nearly impossible. Here's how to do it right and what it must contain.

Read — 6 min

What to verify before signing a lease in Quebec: landlord checklist

The complete checklist of verifications to do before signing a residential lease in Quebec: tenant file, clauses, annexes, deposit, and sensitive legal points.

Read — 7 min

Quebec Standard Lease 2026: The Landlord's Guide

The TAL lease form is mandatory — a homemade lease holds no weight. Annex G traps, void clauses, renewal deadlines and the mistakes that cost landlords most, before you sign.

Read — 9 min

Next step

Explore further

Our tenant placement service

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Rentals in Montreal

Listings and average rents.

Rentals in Laval

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Rentals in Longueuil

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All free tools

Calculators, market data, assessment rolls.

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers for tenants and owners across Greater Montreal.

What are typical move-in costs in Montreal?
Plan for the first month's rent (always paid upfront), the actual move ($300–$1,200 depending on distance and volume), service hookup fees with Hydro-Québec and internet ($50–$100), tenant insurance ($15–$35/month), plus a fund for furnishings and essentials. In total, expect the equivalent of 1.5 to 2.5 months of rent on day one.
Can a Quebec landlord require a security deposit?
No. In Quebec, a landlord can only ask for the first month's rent in advance. No security deposit, no last-month deposit, and no post-dated cheques covering more than one month. If you're asked for one, it's illegal — the Tribunal administratif du logement can support you.
How much should I budget for moving to Laval or Longueuil?
A local move of a 4½ between Montreal and Laval or Longueuil typically runs $400–$800 with a professional crew. Costs rise sharply around July 1st (Quebec's traditional moving day) — book two to three months ahead or pick another date if you want to keep the bill down.
Are utility hookup fees included?
Hydro-Québec usually doesn't charge a connection fee for a new tenant. Internet, however, often comes with $25–$75 in installation fees plus modem rental or purchase. The estimator includes these line items so you avoid surprises in your first month.
Do I need to budget for furniture?
If you're moving out for the first time, plan $1,500 to $4,000 for furniture and essentials (bed, small appliances, dishes, curtains). Quebec's secondhand market — Marketplace, Kijiji, thrift stores — can cut this category significantly without sacrificing comfort.