Yes, student housing in Laval is 1% to 4% cheaper than in Montreal. The cheapest housing options are usually shared apartments. Students can commute to Montreal from Laval as well, avoiding the rent cost of the latter.
Students can explore a variety of housing options in Laval. These include private, shared, and studio apartments. The good news is that most of these properties have an easy commute to Laval campuses.
The monthly cost of student housing in Laval varies depending on the area and type of property. On average, students can expect to spend between CA$600 and CA$1,400 per month. If you want to save money, shared apartments are your best bet. Rent in apartments near Montmorency or De la Concorde is usually lower.
What area you consider the best depends on what you prioritize. However, these are some top-rated areas - Montmorency, Chomedey, and Laval-des-Rapides. These offer a lower cost of living in comparison to Montreal. These areas also have good public transit and daily amenities.
Laval has great connectivity throughout the city. Students can take advantage of the Orange Line of the Montreal Metro, which covers major hubs. The bus network is led by Société de transport de Laval (STL), which connects the city to Montreal. Shared cabs, bikes, and cycling are good options too.
Sharing is one of the most popular choices in Laval. Sharing usually offers a split in rent and utilities.
Yes, some buildings in Laval are marketed toward students. These come with predictable rent, utilities, and good transit options. Properties like Parc Cité provides structured leases rather than short-term ones.
Laval offers top institutions that drive the housing demands in the city. The primary University is the Université de Montréal (UdeM) - Laval Campus, UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal) – Laval Campus, and the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS).
Laval is a rather tenant-friendly city. Quebec's rental laws and policies are governed by Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL). One of the laws states that landlords can't legally ask for a security deposit. Leases also don't expire per se; they are subject to automatic renewal.
Laval is a welcoming city when it comes to student housing. It is calmer and less costly than Montreal and offers top education institutions such as campuses of Université de Montréal (UdeM) and UQAM. It also offers a younger crowd compared to Montreal, meaning students will likely fit in easily. Student housing in Laval offers a steady, affordable setup in one of Quebec’s most practical education hubs.
Since on-campus housing fills up fairly quickly, amber provides off-campus options with verified listings of student housing in Laval. The most popular housing options are usually those that offer good transport and are close to campuses. Parc Cité and Alma @ Shaughnessy Village are popular choices among students. Laval can be considered one of the best places to live in Canada for its affordability and easy commute.
Laval is one of the three largest cities in Quebec, boasting a population of over 460,000. This includes an estimated student population of over 25,000. Safety is one of its key highlights - Laval has a solid Safety Index of 47.24 (Numbeo). The city has a thriving healthcare and public sector, with an unemployment rate 10.8% (Pertquebec). Due to its suburban layout, Laval has a walk score of 48; however, some areas have higher scores.
Laval is an island city, making it geographically unique. It is separated from Montreal by the Rivière des Prairies and has a balance of urban development and nature. One of Laval's key highlights is its academic hub called the Cité du Savoir. It is centered around the Montmorency Metro station. Overall, it is a calmer alternative to the densely populated Montreal.
Student apartments in Laval are affordable, provide good transit options, and offer shared living. Properties in the city are centered on student needs, making budgeting and academic life easier. Some of the most in-demand options for student housing Laval include:
| Property Name | Amenities | Starting Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Parc Cité | WiFi, 24/7 Study Lounges, Fitness Center, Car & Bike Parking | CA$610/month |
| Alma @ Shaughnessy Village | Outdoor Lounge Area, Management Team Available 24/7, Fitness Centre, 24/7 Security Camera | CA$1114/month |
| 3717 Rue Berri | WiFi Connectivity, Workstation, Laundry Facility | CA$950/month |
Unlike other cities, student areas in Laval are built around good transit options and educational access rather than the downtown core.
| Area Name | Known For | Closest University |
|---|---|---|
| Montmorency Metro Area | Cité du Savoir and direct transit to Montreal | Université de Montréal (Laval Campus) |
| Chomedey | Retail and entertainment hub | Collège Montmorency |
| Laval-des-Rapides | Student-friendly and affordable rents | Collège Montmorency & INRS |
Looking for student housing in Laval can be a challenge; however, most room types follow a set North American housing pattern. Here are the primary room types available in the city:
1. Studio Apartments: These are self-contained apartment units that offer maximum privacy. It includes a private kitchenette and bathroom. However, it also comes with a higher rent.
2. Private Apartments: Private apartments offer more space and flexibility. These apartments are available in one- or multi-bedroom options.
3. Shared Apartments: These are the most common choice for students as they provide cheaper rent. The apartments come with shared common spaces, including the living room and kitchen.
Compared to Montreal, Laval is 5-8% cheaper. It offers a more predictable cost structure. On average, the monthly cost of living in Laval is between CA$1,600 and CA$2,100 per month:
1. Accommodation: CA$600-1,400 per month
2. Food & Groceries: CA$220-320 per month
3. TV/Subscriptions: CA$25-45 per month
4. Mobile Phone: CA$40-70 per month
5. Clothes: CA$60-120 per month
6. Leisure: CA$100-180 per month
7. Books/Stationery: CA$50-90 per month
8. Travel: CA$90-130 per month
Student travel in Laval is simple and cost-effective thanks to strong metro and bus connectivity.
| Mode of Transport | Routes Covered | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Only (Laval) | All STL bus routes within Laval | CA$68.50 |
| Exo Commuter Train | Commute to downtown Montreal | Includes in the AB Pass (CA$99.00) |
| BIXI (Bike Share) | Over 100 stations in Laval | ~$20 (availability is seasonal) |
| Shared Taxi (STL) | Connects to major terminals | Included in the AB Pass |
Despite being calmer than Montreal, student life in Laval is quite active. Places like Place Bell and Centropolis are good spots to spend your time and try out bars and restaurants. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can choose to spend time at the Centre de la Nature. Laval is also known for its outdoor activities such as cycling and water sports, making it appealing to tourists.
Laval has some unique spots for tourists, including the Cosmodôme, if you're into space, and Maeva Surf for indoor surfing. Water activities such as kayaking can be done in the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. Aside from activities, Laval also offers many cafes and restaurants. You can try the Presse Café, Café Milano, and the Boulangerie Ange. Bars and nightlife are supported by places like Le Balthazar and Randolph Pub Ludique. If you’re a movie enthusiast, you can go to the Salle André-Mathieu and Cinéma Cineplex Laval.
Laval’s housing demand is shaped by nearby post-secondary institutions and its proximity to Montreal’s academic core. Laval is a growing city and supports the growing demand for student housing in Canada. Despite being smaller than Montreal, it offers excellent educational options for international students. Those looking to further their careers in Education, Biotechnology, and the Arts can choose Laval.
| Name of Institute | Ranking | Top Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Université de Montréal (UdeM) | #150 World (THE) / #1 Quebec | Nursing, Education, Psychology, Social Work |
| UQAM (Laval Campus) | #184 North America | Business (ESG), Actuarial Science, Social Law |
| INRS - Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie | #1 in Canada for Research Intensity | Biotechnology, Microbiology, Immunology |
| Collège Montmorency | Top-tier Public Cégep (Laval) | Nursing, Computer Science, Visual Arts |