About Laval
Laval is Canada's third-largest city, occupying the entire Île Jésus island north of Montréal between the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière Mille Îles. For decades considered merely a suburban extension of Montréal, Laval has developed its own urban identity — particularly around the Montmorency and Cartier Metro stations (Orange Line), which anchor walkable mixed-use development. The city shares Quebec's extraordinary $9.10/day CPE childcare, Montréal's Metro access, and Quebec's French-language environment. At $580K average homes — significantly less than Montréal's trendier neighbourhoods — Laval is increasingly popular with young families priced out of Le Plateau or Rosemont who want Metro access without downtown prices.
Laval at a Glance
Cost of Living in Laval
Laval offers a compelling value proposition for Montréal-area families. At $580K average homes — cheaper than many Montréal neighbourhoods — Laval provides Metro access to downtown in 20 minutes. Quebec's $9.10/day CPE childcare is universally available (subject to waitlists) and saves families $15,000–$25,000/year per child vs Ontario. The STM Metro monthly pass ($94) covers Laval's Orange Line stations. Groceries are similar to Montréal. French is the primary language for all services and daily life.
Pros & Cons of Living in Laval
- 🧒 $9.10/day CPE childcare — Quebec's universal program, saves $15K–$25K/yr vs Ontario
- 🚇 Montréal Metro (Orange Line) — Montmorency and Cartier stations, 20 min to downtown
- 💰 $580K average homes — cheaper than many Montréal neighbourhoods with Metro access
- 🌸 Île Jésus setting — rivers on both sides, waterfront parks, recreational trails
- 🛍️ Carrefour Laval — one of Quebec's largest shopping centres
- 🏥 CISSS de Laval — integrated health and social services network
- 🇫🇷 French required — daily life, schools, and services are in French
- 🚗 Most of Laval is car-dependent — only areas near Metro stations are walkable
- 🏗️ Suburban character dominates — outside Metro corridors, Laval is strip malls
- 📊 Quebec's higher provincial income tax — partially offset by childcare savings
- 🏘️ Less cultural identity than Montréal neighbourhoods — still developing city character
Best Neighbourhoods in Laval
Most diverse and walkable area in Laval — large South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, authentic restaurants on Boulevard des Laurentides, closer to Montréal via Highway 15. $500K–$750K for homes.
Family-oriented east Laval — established residential neighbourhoods, good schools, quieter character, Rivière des Prairies access. $550K–$800K.
Most urban part of Laval — Montmorency Metro station anchors dense mixed-use development, condos, walkable services. Condos from $350K–$600K. Best for Metro-dependent commuters.
West Island-adjacent Laval — quieter, more suburban, waterfront access on Rivière Mille Îles, larger lots. $600K–$900K. Popular with families wanting more space.
Who Laval Is Best For
Laval is best for: French-speaking families with young children who want Metro access to Montréal at lower housing costs with $9.10/day childcare; Montréal workers priced out of Le Plateau, Rosemont, or Villeray; South Asian and Middle Eastern communities (Chomedey has excellent community infrastructure); and families who want the Quebec childcare advantage with reasonable Montréal Metro access. Not right for those who don't speak French, those wanting urban walkability outside Metro corridors, or those in careers requiring English-language environments.