Understanding Montreal Apartment Sizes: 3½, 4½, 5½ Explained

How Montreal's Half-Room System Works

Montreal's apartment sizes use a unique numbering system that confuses newcomers. The number counts every room — including the kitchen and living room — and the "½" represents the bathroom. So a 3½ has a kitchen, a living room, one bedroom, and a bathroom. A 4½ has an additional bedroom, and a 5½ adds yet another. A studio is typically listed as a 1½ or 2½.

This system dates back to Quebec's real estate traditions and is used across the province. It's important to note that the "rooms" counted include the kitchen and living room, which differs from how bedrooms are counted in Toronto or Vancouver listings. A Montreal 4½ is equivalent to a "one-bedroom" in most other Canadian cities.

Average Rent by Apartment Size in Montreal (2026)

In 2026, average monthly rents in Montreal break down roughly as follows: a 2½ (studio) runs $900–$1,200, a 3½ (one-bedroom equivalent) costs $1,100–$1,500, a 4½ (two-bedroom) goes for $1,350–$1,800, and a 5½ (three-bedroom) ranges from $1,600–$2,200. Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood — a 4½ in Griffintown can cost more than a 5½ in Montreal North.

Closed rooms vs open-concept layouts also matter. Some landlords list an open-concept apartment with a kitchen-living area and one bedroom as a 3½, while others might call the same layout a 2½. Always visit in person and count the actual rooms before signing a lease.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Move

For a single person, a 3½ offers comfortable living with a separate bedroom. Couples typically want at least a 4½ for the extra space or home office. Families with children generally need a 5½ or larger — and in Montreal, 6½ and 7½ apartments do exist, especially in the upper floors of triplexes in Rosemont, Villeray, and Ahuntsic.

Your apartment size directly affects your moving cost. A 3½ typically requires a 2-mover crew and a small truck, while a 5½ or larger may need 3–4 movers and a full-size vehicle. Up & Out provides size-based pricing estimates so you know what to expect before booking your Montreal move.