Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Montreal: Which Should You Choose?

Finding an apartment to rent in Montreal can be daunting—particularly when you're presented with the dilemma of a furnished, unfurnished, or semi furnished rental apartment. If you're a student moving to school for your first year, a young professional moving to a new career, or an individual moving to another city to begin anew, the choice can greatly ease or complicate your comfort, budget, and lifestyle.

Montreal's rental market reflects the city's eclectic neighborhoods. From cozy walk-ups in the Plateau to contemporary furnished units in Griffintown, the choice is all yours—but not all rentals are the same. Knowing the major distinctions between furnished apartments, unfurnished apartment rentals, and semi furnished rentals matters to potential tenants seeking an informed choice.

This handbook spells it all out—no techno-jargon, no filler. Practical, useful information to aid you in selecting the proper rental apartment for you, no matter what the time frame. Temporary shelter, short-term motel living, settling in permanently—this handbook covers it all.

Why This Decision Matters

Deciding on furnished versus unfurnished rentals transcends the question of whether the living room has a sofa or a coffee table in the corner. It impacts:

• Your monthly budget

• The lease agreement you will sign

• Your capacity to customize your space

• The quantity of furniture (or new furniture) to be purchased

• The time and energy invested during your move

Some individuals value the convenience of having a home to move into furnished and being in a move-in-ready apartment, while others prefer to bring in their own furniture and create a home to fit their personal style.

Furnished Apartments: Convenience at a Cost

What’s Included?

A fully furnished apartment typically comes with basic furniture like a sofa, dining room table, coffee table, bed, and often kitchen appliances and kitchen utensils. Some furnished properties go above and beyond with linens, decor, and even TV and Wi-Fi.

Who Rents Furnished Units?

• Short-term tenants

• Young professionals on contract

• International students

• Those seeking temporary accommodation

Pros:

• Move-in ready – Just bring your personal belongings

• No stress of moving furniture or buying furniture

• Great for short term rental needs

Cons:

• Higher rent and often a higher monthly rent

• May require a security deposit

• Less flexibility in choosing your own furnishings

• Not ideal if you want to stay long-term or have personal preferences

Renting furnished is ideal if you need flexibility or want less management in your move. It’s a practical solution if you're just settling into a new apartment and need a perfect apartment without delays.

Unfurnished Apartments: Less Freedom, Better Value

What’s Included?

In Montreal, most unfurnished rental properties still include essential appliances like a fridge, stove, and often a washer/dryer or hookups. But you’ll need to provide your own furniture and kitchen utensils.

Who Rents Unfurnished Units?

• Long-term tenants and families

• People with stable income

• Renters who already have own furniture

• Anyone looking for a long term lease

Pros:

• More affordable than furnished rentals

• Personalize your space with your personal belongings

• Greater availability across Montreal's rental apartments market

Cons:

• Initial cost of buying furniture

• The hassle of moving heavy furniture

• Not move-in ready

Unfurnished rentals offer better long-term savings and suit those looking to invest in a home setup. Whether you're a family or couple, these rental properties offer freedom and value.

What About Semi-Furnished Apartments?

A semi-furnished apartment usually includes kitchen appliances and sometimes one or two pieces of basic furniture (like a dining room table or sofa), but not much else. These offer a balance between convenience and customization and are often available at a moderate rent point.

Important Factors That Can Significantly Impact Your Decision

1. Lease Agreement Terms

Understand the fine print in any lease agreement—how long is the lease, who maintains the appliances, and what happens if you break it early?

2. Security Deposit and Upfront Costs

While Quebec law limits deposits for most unfurnished properties, furnished rentals often ask for a security deposit, especially for short-term stays.

3. Cost Over Time

A higher monthly rent for furnished units can add up. If you're staying longer than a year, buying furniture might be cheaper in the long run.

4. Market Trends in Montreal

Demand for short term rental units peaks around university semesters and summer festivals. For long term leases, you’ll find more choice and better value in neighbourhoods like Rosemont, NDG, or Verdun.

5. Location and Lifestyle

Central neighbourhoods like Downtown, Plateau, and Griffintown are packed with furnished properties and short term rental listings. For quieter areas with larger rental apartments, look to Ahuntsic, Hochelaga, or Côte-des-Neiges.

Tips for Prospective Tenants

• Visit the property or request a virtual tour.

• Ask for an inventory list for furnished apartments—what’s included exactly?

• Don’t rush—Montreal’s local rental market moves quickly, but with proper planning, you’ll find the right fit.

• Consider whether you’re comfortable investing in new furniture or want a hands-off experience.

• Communicate clearly with property owners or the landlord to avoid surprises.

What About the Cost?

When it comes to price, furnished apartments almost always come with a higher monthly rent. On average in Montreal:

• A furnished one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,700–$2,000/month, depending on location and quality.

• An unfurnished apartment of the same size typically rents for $1,500–$1,800/month.

• Semi furnished apartments fall somewhere in between—often including kitchen appliances and some basic furniture.

Central neighbourhoods like Downtown and Griffintown command higher prices, while areas like Rosemont, Verdun, and Hochelaga offer more affordable unfurnished rental properties. If you're staying long-term and have your own furniture, unfurnished rentals can save you money over time—even if buying furniture means more upfront cost.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Choice?

The choice between furnished and unfurnished rentals depends on your plans, budget, and lifestyle. If you want temporary accommodation and less hassle, renting furnished is your best bet. If you're staying long-term and want a space to truly make your own, go with an unfurnished rental.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but knowing the pros and cons, understanding the rental market, and being honest about your needs will help you land the perfect apartment in Montreal.