How Much Does Moving Cost in Montreal? (2026 Guide)

What Determines Your Moving Cost in Montreal?

If you're planning a move in Montreal, the first question on your mind is probably: how much is this going to cost me? The honest answer is it depends — on your apartment size, how many stairs the movers have to climb, how far you're going, and whether you're moving on July 1st like half the province. Let's break it all down with real 2026 numbers.

Montreal's moving market is competitive, which is good news for your wallet. But prices swing wildly based on a few key factors: the size of your home, the distance between your old and new place, the time of year, and building access (think 3rd-floor walk-up on rue Saint-Denis vs. a condo with a loading dock in Griffintown).

Cost by Apartment Size (Local Moves)

For a standard local move within Montreal — say from the Plateau to Villeray, or from NDG to Verdun — here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:

• Studio / 1½: $295 – $450. Two movers, small truck, 2-3 hours.
• 1 Bedroom / 3½: $395 – $595. Two movers, 3-4 hours.
• 2 Bedroom / 4½: $495 – $795. Two to three movers, 4-5 hours.
• 3 Bedroom / 5½: $695 – $1,095. Three movers, 5-7 hours.
• 4 Bedroom / 6½: $995 – $1,495. Three to four movers, full day.
• 5+ Bedroom / 7½+: $1,400 – $1,800+. Four movers, possibly two trucks.

These prices assume a local move (under 25 km), a reasonable amount of furniture, and no piano or hot tub situation. Walk-ups add $50–$150 depending on floors and narrow staircases — and if you've ever hauled a couch up a spiral staircase in a Plateau triplex, you understand why.

Hourly vs. Flat Rate: Which is Better?

Most Montreal movers offer both pricing models:

• Hourly rates typically run $85–$140/hour for two movers and a truck. A third mover adds $35–$50/hour. You'll usually have a minimum of 2-3 hours.
• Flat rates are based on an estimate of your inventory. You know the total upfront — no surprises if traffic on the Décarie is brutal that day.

For small moves (studio, 1BR), hourly often works out cheaper. For larger apartments, a flat rate gives you peace of mind. If you're moving from a 5½ on avenue du Parc to a house in Ahuntsic, a flat rate means you won't stress about the clock.

How Distance Affects Pricing

Local moves within Montreal (Plateau to Rosemont, Verdun to LaSalle) are the baseline prices above. Once you go beyond the island, expect surcharges:

• South Shore (Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Lambert): Add $100–$250
• North Shore (Laval, Blainville): Add $100–$300
• Quebec City or Ottawa: $1,500–$3,500+ depending on size

Long-distance moves are almost always quoted as flat rates. The mover factors in fuel, tolls (hello, A25), and the time the truck is on the road.

Seasonal Pricing: The July 1st Tax

Here's something every Montrealer knows but newcomers don't: July 1st is Quebec's unofficial moving day. Most leases in the province end on June 30, so the entire first week of July is pandemonium. Expect to pay 30%–50% more during the last week of June through the first week of July. A 2BR move that costs $550 in February might run you $800+ on June 30.

The cheapest months to move? November through March. Yes, it's cold. Yes, there might be ice on the stairs. But you'll save hundreds, and movers are more available. Mid-month moves are also cheaper than first-of-the-month moves, any time of year.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Not every quote tells the whole story. Watch out for these extras:

• Stair fees: $25–$75 per flight, especially for walk-ups above the 2nd floor.
• Long carry fees: If the truck can't park within 20 metres of your door (common in the Plateau and Old Montreal), you may be charged extra.
• Bulky items: Pianos ($150–$400), pool tables, safes, and treadmills often have surcharges.
• Packing materials: If the movers supply boxes, tape, and wrap, that's extra — $50–$200+.
• Insurance: Basic coverage is usually included, but full-value protection costs more. Ask about it.
• Fuel surcharge: Some companies add 3%–5%, especially for longer moves.

How to Save Money on Your Montreal Move

• Move mid-month, mid-week. Tuesday in February? You'll get the best rates.
• Declutter before you move. Every box you don't move saves time and money. Hit up the Village des Valeurs on rue Notre-Dame or post free stuff on Facebook Marketplace.
• Get multiple quotes. Three is the minimum. Compare apples to apples — make sure each quote covers the same services.
• Pack yourself. Buying your own boxes from Canadian Tire or grabbing free ones from the SAQ saves on packing fees.
• Book early. Especially for summer moves. Two months ahead is ideal; for July 1st, book by April.
• Ask about student or senior discounts. Some Montreal movers offer 10%–15% off.

Walk-ups vs. Elevator Buildings

Montreal is a city of triplexes, and most of those don't have elevators. If you're moving out of a 3rd-floor walk-up on rue Mentana and into another one on avenue Christophe-Colomb, your movers are going to earn every dollar. Expect walk-up fees to add $50–$150 to your total. If both buildings are walk-ups, it could be more.

Elevator buildings (condos in Griffintown, towers in downtown) have their own quirks — you'll often need to reserve the freight elevator and potentially pay a deposit. But the actual moving goes faster since movers aren't climbing stairs all day.

The Bottom Line

For most Montrealers moving a 2-bedroom apartment locally, budget $500–$800 for professional movers. Add $100–$200 for packing supplies if you're doing it yourself, or $200–$400 if the movers pack for you. And if you're moving on July 1st weekend, tack on another 30-50%.

The cheapest move is the one you plan well. Get quotes early, declutter ruthlessly, and try to avoid the peak season if your lease allows it. Your wallet will thank you.