How Much Does a Move Cost in Montreal in 2025? Complete Price Guide
- Le Capitaine
- Dec 2, 2025
- 7 min read
Are you looking to find out the price of a move in Montreal to better plan your budget? Whether you are moving a studio, a 4 ½ (two-bedroom apartment), or an entire house, rates vary considerably depending on the period, distance, and services chosen. In 2025, the average cost of a residential move in Montreal is between $250 and $800 for a local move, but several factors influence this estimate.
This detailed guide will help you understand the pricing of moving companies in Montreal, compare options, and maximize your budget.
How is the Cost of a Move Calculated in Montreal?
Most movers in Montreal bill based on a transparent and very simple formula:
[HOURLY RATE × DURATION] + TRAVEL FEE = TOTAL COST
A mover's hourly rate generally varies between $100 and $200 depending on:
The number of movers (2, 3, or 4 people),
The time of year (high vs. low season),
The distance between the two addresses,
The size of the truck.
Concrete Price Calculation Example
For a 4 ½ apartment move in Montreal with 2 movers:
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Low season rate: $100/hr
Travel fee: 1 hour (+$100)
6 hours x $100 + $100 travel = Total: $700Â (excluding taxes)
The same move on July 1st could cost $1,500 or more due to strong demand and higher rates.
Factors Influencing the Price of Your Move
Distance Between the Two Homes
For a local move in Montreal (less than 50 km), billing is generally hourly. Beyond that, long-distance movers often apply flat rates or per-kilometer rates.
Move within the same borough: standard hourly rate,
Montreal to Laval or the South Shore: standard hourly rate,
Montreal-Quebec City move: standard hourly rate + mileage fees.
Discover our moving services on the South Shore for a personalized quote.
Volume and Quantity of Goods to Transport
The number of rooms directly influences the duration of the move:
Type of dwelling | Estimated volume | Truck required |
Studio ou 1 ½ | 200-300 pi³ | 12 pieds |
3 ½ | 400-600 pi³ | 16 pieds |
4 ½ à 5 ½ | 700-1000 pi³ | 20 pieds |
6 ½ et plus | 1200+ pi³ | 24 pieds ou 2 camions |
A large volume may require an extra mover or a larger truck, which increases the hourly cost but reduces the total duration.Â
Floors and Accessibility
Each floor without an elevator adds approximately 30 to 60 minutes to the total moving time. In addition to the extra time, some movers often charge a supplement for:
Spiral staircases: +10-15%
More than 3 floors without an elevator: +20-30%
Difficult access (narrow alley): +10%
The good news is that Déménagement Le Capitaine does not charge any supplement related to accessibility or access conditions. However, it is important to keep in mind that these factors can influence the total duration of the job, as they naturally slow down the loading and unloading process.
Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly
Furniture assembly/disassembly takes between 5 to 15 minutes per piece of furniture. At Déménagement Le Capitaine, this service is included for free in our complete package. Save $100 to $300 compared to other companies that charge extra for this service.
Moving Season and Date
July 1st remains the most expensive day of the year in Montreal. Booking off-season can save you 20% to 40% on your residential move.
Traffic and Road Conditions
In Montreal, traffic significantly impacts the duration of a move. Experienced movers anticipate:
Rush hours (7 a.m. - 9 a.m., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
Summer road construction
Special events (festivals, Grand Prix)
Additional Services
Options that increase the cost but offer more peace of mind:
Professional packing service,
Supply of material (boxes, bubble wrap),
Temporary storage,
Very heavy items (safe, marble table, etc.),
Extra protection for delicate or high-value belongings.
Check out our packing service to save time.
Cost of a Move in Montreal by Season (2025)
Understanding Moving Seasons
The July 1st phenomenon in Montreal creates exceptional demand. Thousands of residential leases end on the same day, driving up prices and limiting availability.
🔺 High season: June, July, August (especially month-ends)Â
🔻 Low season: September to May (except Christmas and spring break periods)
2025 Pricing Grid by Period
Here are the average hourly rates for movers in Montreal depending on the period:
Period | 2 movers | 3 movers | 4 movers |
January-April | 110-125$/h | 130-150$/h | 160-185$/h |
May | 120-140$/h | 140-170$/h | 180-210$/h |
June 1-8 | 125-150$/h | 145-175$/h | 190-225$/h |
June 9-15 | 135-160$/h | 160-190$/h | 210-240$/h |
June 16-22 | 145-180$/h | 175-210$/h | 220-250$/h |
June 23-26 | 155-195$/h | 185-220$/h | 230-265$/h |
June 27-28 | 170-210$/h | 200-240$/h | 280-320$/h |
June 30 | 190-220$/h | 230-260$/h | 290-330$/h |
1st er July | 250-295$/h | 295-325$/h | 350-400$/h |
July2-5 | 170-220$/h | 200-260$/h | 270-330$/h |
July 6-31 | 150-175$/h | 180-210$/h | 220-250$/h |
August | 120-140$/h | 140-165$/h | 175-195$/h |
Sept-Déc | 110-125$/h | 130-150$/h | 160-185$/h |
Expert Tip:Â Moving on a Tuesday in November rather than a Saturday in late June can save you up to $600 on a standard move!
Price Estimate by Dwelling Type (Low Season)
Here is an indicative table for a local move in Montreal during low season (September to May):
Housing | Duration (2 movers) | Estimated Price | Duration (3 movers) | Estimated Price |
Studio | 2,5 h | 250-300$ | 2 h | 240-280$ |
3 ½ | 4 h | 400-480$ | 3 h | 380-450$ |
4 ½ | 5 h | 500-600$ | 3,5 h | 450-550$ |
5 ½ | 6 h | 600-720$ | 4,5 h | 550-650$ |
6 ½ | 7 h | 700-840$ | 5,5 h | 640-750$ |
7 ½ | 8 h | 800-960$ | 6 h | 720-850$ |
These estimates include: transport, basic disassembly/reassembly, and furniture protection. They can vary depending on the floor, exact volume, and accessibility.
Get a Personalized Estimate
For an even more precise calculation tailored to your situation, use our moving cost simulator based on:
Over 10,000 moves completed
10+ years of experience in Montreal and surroundings
Algorithm considering: date, size, floors, traffic, distance, weather
Potential Additional Fees
Even with a transparent mover rate, some fees can be added:
Mileage fees
Supplement for special items (piano, safe, Spa, or heavy equipment)
Packing material
Parking and permits:Â In some Montreal sectors (Plateau, Mile-End), a parking permit may be required.
Tip:Â Always ask for a detailed written quote to avoid surprises on moving day.
Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Professionals?
The Real Cost of a Move
Renting a truck and moving yourself seems economical, but here are the hidden costs:
The idea of renting a truck and moving yourself can seem attractive to save a few dollars. However, this option involves many hidden costs that accumulate quickly. Between truck rental ($100-$200 per day), fuel which can easily reach $60 to $150 depending on the distance traveled, mandatory insurance ($30-$50 per day), and necessary equipment like the dolly, straps, and blankets ($50-$100). The total cost climbs very fast!
And that is only the tip of the iceberg. You will also need to plan how to thank your friends who help you (meals, refreshments), which easily adds an extra $50 to $100. But beyond direct costs, it is mainly the risk that poses a problem: breakage of valuables, damage to the rented truck for which you are fully responsible, and above all, the risk of physical injury. A wrong move on a staircase with a sofa can cost you much more than a professional mover.
Why Choose Professional Movers?
Conversely, calling a certified moving company in Montreal completely transforms the experience. With professional movers, you benefit first and foremost from safety: they have the proper equipment, know proven techniques to handle heavy or fragile items, and know exactly how to protect your goods during transport.
Efficiency also makes all the difference. An experienced team will accomplish in three hours what would have taken you a whole day. They know the best ways to load a truck to maximize space and minimize trips, thus reducing time and, ultimately, the total cost. Moreover, your goods are covered by professional insurance: it offers you peace of mind that no DIY move can match.
Ultimately, investing between $400 and $600 for professional movers in Montreal is choosing peace of mind. Rather than saving $200 and risking an injury that could cost you two weeks of salary (not to mention the pain and long-term complications), you ensure that everything runs smoothly, quickly, and safely. It is an investment in your health, your time, and your peace of mind.
What Is Included in a Complete Moving Service
When you hire a professional mover like Le Capitaine, it is important to fully understand what is included in the basic service and what can be added according to your needs. This transparency allows you to avoid unpleasant surprises and plan your budget accordingly.
Basic Professional Moving Services
A standard moving service generally includes several essential elements. First, the protection of your furniture with thick blankets and other safeguards to avoid scratches and damage during transport. Movers also handle the disassembly and reassembly of your standard furniture (beds, tables, shelves, etc.) to facilitate passage through doors and staircases.
Loading and unloading your goods are of course an integral part of the service. Professionals use proven techniques to maximize space in the truck while ensuring the stability of your possessions during the journey. The transport itself takes place in a truck equipped and adapted to the volume of your move. Finally, basic civil liability insurance is generally included, protecting you against accidental damage that may occur during the move.
The Déménagement Le Capitaine Advantage
At Déménagement Le Capitaine, we have chosen to include the disassembly and reassembly of all your standard furniture in our turnkey service, at no additional cost. This transparent approach distinguishes us from many competitors who charge extra for this service, often between $100 and $300 depending on complexity. Our goal is simple: to offer you a complete experience, without surprises, where you know exactly what you are paying for from the initial quote.
This philosophy of transparency extends to all our services. Whether you need a local residential move, a long-distance move, or even a commercial move, we detail every aspect of our intervention so that you can make an informed decision.
To explore all our services and understand how we can customize your move, visit our complementary moving services page.Â
Get Your Free Quote Today
Now that you have a complete understanding of moving prices in Montreal in 2025, it is time to take action and get a personalized estimate that corresponds exactly to your situation. Every move is unique with its own challenges and specificities. That is why a custom quote is essential to properly plan your budget.
Déménagement Le Capitaine stands out for its transparent approach and its commitment to customer satisfaction. When you contact us for a free quote, whether online or by phone, you immediately benefit from our expertise. We take the time to listen to your specific needs, assess the volume to be moved, consider the particularities of your two homes (floors, access, parking), and propose the most suitable solution.
Whether you are planning a residential move in Montreal, a move to the South Shore or North Shore, a long-distance move to another city, or even a commercial move for your business, our team possesses the expertise and resources to adapt to your specific needs and respect your budget.
