Is living in Brossard cheaper than living in Montreal? The answer depends on your situation: renter or owner, car or public transit, condo or house. This page is for households torn between the two shores. We compare four items (buying a home, rents, transportation and taxes) using only published, dated figures, and we explain where to find the data that’s missing. Last checked: October 2026.
This is general information, not financial advice.
At a glance
- In Q3 2026, the median price of a single-family home was $739,500 in Brossard versus $812,000 on the island of Montreal (Centris statistics).
- For a condo, the median was $410,000 in Brossard versus $477,000 on the island.
- Brossard is in public transit zone B: the All modes AB monthly pass has cost $170 since July 1, 2026, versus $110 for All modes A.
- Transfer duties are identical up to $500,000; above that, Brossard (3%) is more expensive than Montreal.
- CMHC average rents by zone are available on the CMHC portal; check the zone that includes Brossard.
1. Property prices
The statistics published on Centris for Q3 2026 allow a direct comparison:
| Type (Q3 2026) | Brossard | Montreal (island) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family – median price | $739,500 | $812,000 |
| Condo – median price | $410,000 | $477,000 |
| 2- to 5-unit plex – median price | Insufficient data | $902,500 |
| Single-family – average selling time | 43 days | 51 days |
| Condo – average selling time | 62 days | 67 days |
The purchase gap is therefore about $72,500 for a median single-family home and $67,000 for a median condo, in Brossard’s favour. These medians cover very different properties (the island includes both central neighbourhoods and outlying areas), so compare similar properties instead. For details, see our page on house and condo prices in Brossard.
2. Rents
Every year, based on its October survey, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) publishes average rents by zone for the Montreal metropolitan area, including South Shore zones. It’s the best source for comparing Brossard with Montreal neighbourhoods, because it measures rents paid by all tenants, not just listings.
At the regional level, Statistics Canada and CMHC report that in Q3 2025, the average asking rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Montreal area was $1,930 a month (The Daily, December 2, 2025). This figure covers listings across all zones: on its own, it can’t tell you whether Brossard is more or less expensive.
How to get the zone-by-zone comparison
- Open CMHC’s rental market reports and download the data tables for the Montreal area (most recent edition).
- Find the South Shore zone that includes Brossard, then the Montreal zone you’re interested in.
- Compare the average rent for the same number of bedrooms and the same survey year.
- Also look at the vacancy rate: a tighter market leaves less room to negotiate.
3. Transportation
Since the 2022 fare overhaul, zone A corresponds to the Montreal agglomeration and zone B includes Laval and the Longueuil agglomeration, which Brossard is part of (Québec.ca, in French). If you live in Brossard and work in Montreal, you need an AB fare.
| ARTM fare (as of July 1, 2026) | Regular | Reduced (ages 6-17, students, 65+) |
|---|---|---|
| All modes A monthly | $110.00 | $66.00 |
| All modes AB monthly | $170.00 | $102.00 |
| 1 trip zone A | $3.75 | $2.75 (ages 6-17, 65+) |
| 1 trip zones AB | $5.00 | $3.50 (ages 6-17, 65+) |
For a commuter, the difference is $60 a month, or $720 a year at the regular fare. In return, the REM links Brossard to downtown without a transfer: see our guides to Brossard’s REM stations and park-and-ride lots. If you drive, factor in the bridges (bridges and traffic between Brossard and Montreal).
4. Housing-related taxes
The welcome tax
Both cities apply the same schedule up to $315,000. Montreal then applies 1.5% up to $552,300, then 2% up to $1,104,700 (2026 schedule), while Brossard applies 1.5% up to $500,000, then 3%. Here’s the result for the Q3 2026 medians:
| Purchase price | Duties in Brossard | Duties in Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| $410,000 | $4,260.50 | $4,260.50 |
| $739,500 | $12,795.50 | $10,139.00 |
| $812,000 | $14,970.50 | $11,589.00 |
For the same single-family home, Brossard costs more in transfer duties; but Brossard’s median single-family home ($739,500) generates lower duties than the Montreal median ($812,000). Run your own numbers with our welcome tax calculator.
Property and school taxes
In Brossard, the 2026 rate for a single-family home is $0.4779 per $100 of assessment, and the bill for an average-value home comes to $3,125 including charges and water, according to the City. In Montreal, rates vary by borough: compare using an actual tax bill or the City of Montreal’s website. School tax, however, is the same everywhere in Quebec: $0.07899 per $100 of standardized assessment in 2026-2027, after a $25,000 exemption. Details in our property tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to buy in Brossard than in Montreal?
According to Centris medians for Q3 2026, yes, for both single-family homes and condos. However, compare equivalent properties, not just medians.
Is Brossard in zone A or B?
Zone B, like the entire Longueuil agglomeration. A trip to Montreal requires an AB fare.
Why not give an average rent for Brossard?
We only publish verified figures. CMHC rents by zone should be read directly from its data tables; follow the steps above.
Is the welcome tax higher in Brossard?
It’s identical up to $500,000 and higher above that, because of the 3% rate Brossard applies.
The bottom line
Brossard offers lower purchase prices than the island of Montreal, but a more expensive transit pass for commuters and a higher welcome tax above $500,000. To decide, continue with renting vs. buying a condo near the REM, the Brossard vs. Longueuil comparison and our complete guide to living in Brossard.
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.