Brossard and Longueuil are neighbours, share several services and both attract families, Montreal commuters and newcomers. Yet they are two different cities, each with its own city council, taxes and access to public transit. This factual comparison helps you choose: what the two cities have in common, what sets them apart, and what to check before you move. We don’t give a verdict: the right answer depends on your commute, your budget and your priorities. Last checked: October 2026.
At a glance
- Longueuil is the central city of the agglomeration and has about 2.75 times as many residents as Brossard, according to 2025 estimates from the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
- Both cities are part of the Longueuil agglomeration: police, fire safety and drinking water are managed jointly.
- Brossard is served by three REM stations; Longueuil by the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station and its bus terminus.
- Both cities are in ARTM fare zone B and served by RTL buses.
- The same French-language school service centre (Marie-Victorin) serves both cities.
Two cities, one agglomeration
In 2002, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Saint-Lambert and other municipalities were merged into the new City of Longueuil. Following the 2004 referendums, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and Saint-Lambert were reconstituted on January 1, 2006. Since then, these five cities have formed the Longueuil agglomeration.
Longueuil is now organized into three boroughs: Le Vieux-Longueuil, Saint-Hubert and Greenfield Park. Brossard, on the other hand, is a city in its own right, with no boroughs, divided into sectors identified by a letter.
The agglomeration council manages responsibilities shared across the whole territory, including the Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil (the agglomeration police), fire safety and drinking water. Each city keeps its local responsibilities: parks, recreation, libraries, waste collection, urban planning and permits.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Brossard | Longueuil |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated population as of July 1, 2025 (ISQ, preliminary) | 97,597 | 268,530 |
| Status | City reconstituted in 2006 | Central city of the agglomeration, 3 boroughs |
| Rail transit | REM: Brossard, Du Quartier and Panama stations | Metro (Yellow Line): Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke station |
| Buses | RTL (and exo to other towns) | RTL (and exo at the Longueuil terminus) |
| ARTM fare zone | B | B |
| Police and fire | Agglomeration services | Agglomeration services |
| French public schools | CSS Marie-Victorin | CSS Marie-Victorin |
| English public schools | Riverside School Board | Riverside School Board |
| Property taxes and local services | Set by the City of Brossard | Set by the City of Longueuil |
Sources: Institut de la statistique du Québec (municipal population estimates), REM, ARTM, Centre de services scolaire Marie-Victorin, Riverside School Board. For census data, see each city’s Statistics Canada profile.
Transportation: REM or metro?
This is often the deciding factor. In Brossard, the REM has been running since July 31, 2023 between Brossard station and Central Station, stopping at Du Quartier, Panama and L’Île-des-Sœurs, among others, on the central corridor of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge. According to the REM, Brossard station offers 2,843 parking spaces, most of them free. Details: REM stations in Brossard and the park-and-ride.
In Longueuil, the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station on the Yellow Line is paired with the Longueuil terminus, where RTL and exo routes converge. The trip to downtown Montreal is by metro, with a transfer at Berri-UQAM for the Green and Orange lines.
In both cases, what matters is the distance between your home and the station. An address far from a station in either city may mean a feeder bus or the car. If you drive, see bridges and traffic to Montreal.
Schools
Both cities fall under the Centre de services scolaire Marie-Victorin for the French public network, which serves Longueuil, Brossard and Saint-Lambert. In the English public system, the Riverside School Board serves the South Shore; for example, Centennial Regional High School gives priority to students from Brossard, Greenfield Park and part of Saint-Hubert (2026-2027 zones). As everywhere, the assigned school depends on your exact address. See Brossard’s elementary schools.
Health care
Hôpital Charles-Le Moyne, a centre affiliated with the Université de Sherbrooke, is located in Greenfield Park, a Longueuil borough next to Brossard. For clinics, see our guide to clinics in Brossard.
Housing costs and taxes
Prices and rents vary widely by borough, sector, property type and proximity to transit. Each city adopts its own budget and property tax rates, and part of the budget funds agglomeration services. Before comparing two properties, ask for the actual municipal and school tax bills and estimate the welcome tax.
Our tools: Brossard property tax calculator and house and condo prices in Brossard. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
How to choose
Brossard may suit you if…
- you want to take the REM and live near one of its three stations;
- you like being close to Quartier DIX30 and highways 10, 15 and 30;
- you’re looking for a mid-sized, highly culturally diverse city.
Longueuil may suit you if…
- you prefer the metro and connections to the STM network;
- you want to choose between three boroughs with distinct character;
- you work in the eastern part of the South Shore or near the Longueuil terminus.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brossard part of Longueuil?
No. Brossard has been a separate city since 2006, but it is part of the Longueuil agglomeration.
Is the police force the same in both cities?
Yes. The Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil covers the entire agglomeration, including Brossard.
Is the price of public transit different?
Both cities are in ARTM fare zone B. The fare to buy depends on your trip, however: check current fares with the ARTM.
Which city is more affordable?
It depends on the neighbourhood and type of housing. Compare similar properties and the actual tax bill rather than municipal averages.
Can you go to school in the other city?
Both cities fall under the same French-language school service centre, but the assigned school depends on your address. School choice requests follow the organization’s rules.
In summary
Brossard and Longueuil share many services, but differ in their rail transit, municipal organization and choice of neighbourhoods. To learn more about the Brossard side, read Living in Brossard: the complete guide. Last checked: October 2026.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.