One question that buyers almost always ask when house hunting in the Montréal metropolitan area is if it’s better to buy on the Island or in the surrounding municipalities on the South Shore and North Shore.
It’s a fact that properties are generally more affordable in the suburbs; in practice, however, things are far more nuanced. And purchase price isn’t the only point to consider when determining where to settle down.
You must also weight transportation options, place of work, lifestyle, and resale potential to ensure you make an informed decision.
The Purchase Price Gap: A Popular Misconception
Price is obviously the first aspect that comes to mind.
At the start of 2026, the median price for a single-family home in the Montréal area hovered around $615,000, and $428,000 for a condo (according to the Association professionnelle des courtiers immobiliers du Québec’s (APCIQ) on their website).
In suburban municipalities (on the North Shore or South Shore), single-family homes are often cheaper for equal square footage. This is, in fact, one of the reasons why families are moving to these communities: they can get more space for the same price or less.
That said, the price gap is narrowing. Strong demand in the suburbs (driven by teleworking—although this trend is set to taper off in 2026) over the past few years has pushed real estate values up in several neighbouring municipalities.
In some popular sectors, a buyer can expect to save far less on a property today than 10 or 15 years ago.
Ultimately, whether you decide to purchase a home in Montréal or in one of its surrounding towns and cities (Laval, Terrebonne, Mascouche, Blainville, Boisbriand, Rosemère, Sainte-Thérèse, Mirabel, Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Lambert, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, La Prairie, Candiac, Chambly or Sainte-Julie), the price shouldn’t be the determining factor.
Transportation: Not to Be Overlooked
One often underestimated element is the cost of transport.
Living on the South Shore or the North Shore typically entails
- owning one or two cars;
- paying for gas;
- paying for occasional parking fees.
These expenses can amount to several thousand dollars a year.
On the island of Montréal, plenty of households manage without a second car (or no car at all) thanks to the metro, the REM, and bus services.
That said, many suburban areas are much better served by public transport links today than they were in the past. Commuter trains, the REM, and certain express bus routes now provide relatively quick access to the city centre.
As a result, properties located near a train station or bus stop are often very sought-after… and can command higher prices than in other parts of the same city.
Employment: The Sometimes-Ignored Factor
This point ties back to the previous one: transportation.
For people who work in downtown Montréal or in central neighbourhoods, living on the island can represent a significant advantage:
- Less time in traffic
- More quality time with family and friends
- Greater access to career opportunities
If you opt for the suburbs, and your workplace is on the outskirts of Montréal and close to where you live, you can enjoy a relatively straightforward commute. But be ready to deal with traffic if your office is in the city centre and your neighbourhood lacks public transport connections.
A crucial point to consider, especially as, in recent months, more and more employers have been cutting back on the number of hours employees are allowed to work from home.
Lifestyle: Space or Convenience?
Buying a home is also a matter of lifestyle.
Living in Montréal’s suburbs usually implies:
- Larger homes
- Bigger yards
- Peaceful neighbourhoods
- Closeness to nature
Montréal proper, for its part, offers:
- A bustling social and cultural life
- Proximity to shops and restaurants
- Public transit
- Diverse neighbourhoods and population
Resale: Planning for the Future
Finally, resale should likewise be taken into consideration.
It’s important to bear in mind that properties located near public transit, in areas with a high concentration of jobs, near universities, and in vibrant neighbourhoods often attract a wider pool of buyers.
This doesn’t mean that suburban homes don’t sell well… quite the opposite! But some of the more peripheral areas may be particularly sensitive to economic cycles or changes in commuter habits.
Before reaching a final decision, take a moment to ask yourself a simple question: where do you really want to live day to day… not just where you can afford to buy?
