In 2026, it’s worth reconsidering why you own a car in Montréal.
If it’s mainly for commuting, ride-hailing options like Uber, Lyft, or even traditional taxis are often cheaper over a full year. This assumes a fairly long city trip around $18 plus a $2 tip.

The math shifts for longer, daily commutes. If your commute is 45+ minutes and you’re in the office five days a week, car ownership starts to make financial sense. But for hybrid workers, even three 40-minute commutes per week typically cost far less than owning a car.

Owning a car in Montreal can cost $1,300/month ($15,700/year) non-luxury! on average, including:

• Loan or depreciation

• Gas

• Insurance

• Maintenance & repairs

• Parking & tickets

But with a little strategy, the same money can buy freedom, convenience, and even luxury, without ever owning a car. For current car owners: In a nutshell, if you are not using your car at least 10 times x week, you may want to ask yourself why don’t you just rent one when you need one.

1️⃣ Uber Around the City

• Ave Cost per short ride: $15

• Number of rides possible with $1,300: ≈ 87 rides

• Example: 10 rides/week for errands, work, or social events → covers 8–9 weeks

Result: Run errands, visit friends, commute occasionally—all without parking stress or winter driving.

In Montreal, the wait time for an Uber or Lyft is about 2 minutes! Faster than taking ice of your car…

2️⃣ Limo Nights for VIP Fun

• Cost per 2-hour limo night: $240

• Number of nights possible with $1,300: ≈ 5 nights/month

Result: Travel to parties, events, or date nights in style—no car needed.

Take limos to events and drink champagne on the way, besides cocktails in Montreal are $25! Split in 4, the cost is  only $60 a person to go to an event in style and stop by a lookout on the way!

3️⃣ Weekend Countryside Getaways

• Rental + gas for a weekend: $460

• Number of weekends possible with $1,300: ≈ 2–3 trips/month

Result: Escape 2 hours from Montreal, enjoy scenic drives, and relax—without car maintenance or stress.

Ever taken a taxi to the country? We have. There is a world of countryside taxi drivers! They are typically retired men and they charge about $80 per trip to let’s say Val David and Montreal. That’s almost the cost of the gas alone.

4️⃣ BIXI Bike Option

• Cost per month: ≈ $50/month

• Perfect for short trips or extra exercise around the city

• Combine with Uber or limo rides for errands and social trips

Result: Stay active, save money, and skip public transit entirely.

For a few bucks a ride, and plenty of bike lanes, this option is healthy and easy.

📊 Monthly Comparison: Car vs Luxe Mixed Lifestyle

Bottom Line

Montreal is perfect for on-demand living.

With a mix of Uber rides, occasional limo nights, weekend rentals, and a BIXI membership, you can:

• Handle city errands and social life without a car

• Enjoy VIP nights out in style

• Escape to the countryside stress-free

• Stay active and eco-friendly on a bike

All for roughly the same monthly cost as owning a car—but with far more flexibility and luxury.

💡 Tip: Combine these options depending on your month. Some weeks, Uber dominates. Other weeks, limo nights or a weekend rental make life feel special. Montreal moves fast—you don’t need a permanent ride to keep up.

Ditch rent and cars altogether and embrace Vanlife!