Choosing where to live in Montreal is often a game of “this or that.” Do you want a big backyard and a longer commute, or a small condo where you can walk to the Metro?
In 2026, with the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) fully running through many parts of the island, the “map” of home values has changed. Here is how your travel time to Downtown affects what you pay for a home.
The “Metro Premium”
In Montreal, being close to a Metro station is like having a “gold star” on your property. On average, homes within a 15-minute walk of a station cost significantly more than those further away.
- Downtown & Plateau: You can get to work in 10 minutes, but a small condo might cost you $500,000 or more.
- The Trade-off: For every 10 minutes you add to your commute, you often save thousands of dollars on the purchase price.
The REM Effect
The new REM train has been a “game changer” for the West Island and areas like Kirkland and Pointe-
- Before the REM: Getting downtown from Kirkland could take an hour by bus and train.
- Now: The commute is down to about 30–35 minutes.
- The Result: Because the commute got faster, home prices in these areas have jumped. People are willing to pay more because they “gain” an hour of their life back every day.
Comparing the Values
Here is a simple look at what you might find on the market today:
| Area | Commute Time (to Central Station) | Typical Home Price (Median) |
|---|---|---|
| Griffintown | 5–10 mins (Walk/Bus) | $550,000+ (Condo) |
| Rosemont | 20 mins (Metro) | $700,000+ (Small House/Plex) |
| West Island | 35 mins (REM) | $650,000+ (Single Family) |
| East End (RDP) | 50+ mins (Bus/Train) | $550,000+ (Single Family) |
Is it Worth the Move?
If you work from home three days a week, a 45-minute commute might not bother you. You could get a much larger house in Pierrefonds or Rivière-des-
However, if you need to be at the office every day, that “extra” 30 minutes each way adds up to 5 hours a week spent in transit. For many Montrealers, paying a higher price to live near the Orange or Green line is worth it to save that time.
The Bottom Line: Transit is the heartbeat of Montreal real estate. Whether it’s the classic Metro or the shiny new REM, the faster you can get to a bagel shop or your office, the more your front door is worth!