Why is Turo so Expensive in Montreal? A Local’s Real Experience with 2024 Prices
I’d been using Turo in Montreal for weekend trips to the Laurentians since 2022, and something felt off this winter. The prices seemed to have skyrocketed overnight. After spending three hours comparing prices and talking to local hosts (including my neighbor Jean who rents out his Tesla), I realized I wasn’t imagining things. Here’s what’s actually going on with Turo prices in Montreal, and more importantly, what we can do about it.
The Brutal Truth About Montreal’s Turo Scene
Look, I’ll be straight with you – Turo in Montreal has gotten expensive. Really expensive. That same Volkswagen Golf I rented last year for $45/day now goes for $89. At first, I thought it was just winter surge pricing, but after digging deeper and chatting with five different hosts, I discovered there’s more to the story.
What’s Actually Driving Up Prices
Remember when half of Montreal’s usual rental cars disappeared during Covid? Well, they never really came back. Traditional rental companies sold off their fleets, and now we’re all fighting over fewer cars. But here’s what’s making it worse in Montreal specifically:
The insurance situation is brutal. Quebec’s insurance requirements for car-sharing are some of the highest in Canada, and guess who’s paying for it? We are, built right into those daily rates.
Winter is particularly rough. Most hosts need to include winter tires (it’s the law here), seasonal maintenance, and more frequent cleaning thanks to our lovely slush puddles. My friend Marc, who rents out his RAV4, told me his maintenance costs nearly doubled in winter.
Real Montreal Prices (As of February 2024)
Let me break down what I’m seeing right now on the platform:
Economy cars (think Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla):
- Summer 2023: $45-60/day
- Current: $75-95/day
- Weekend rates are typically 15-20% higher
SUVs (CR-V, RAV4):
- Summer 2023: $65-85/day
- Current: $110-140/day
- Even higher if you’re looking at anything with third-row seating
And if you’re thinking about a luxury car or Tesla? Honestly, just take a deep breath before you look at those prices.
What The Locals Are Doing Instead
Here’s where it gets interesting. After my latest Turo sticker shock, I started asking around about alternatives. Turns out we Montrealers have gotten creative:
The Communauto Hack
This has become my go-to for anything less than 2-3 days. Yes, you need to plan ahead and yes, sometimes the cars are… let’s say “lived in.” But at $30-40/day all-in, including gas? Can’t beat it. Pro tip: book through the app at 9pm – that’s when most people cancel their next-day reservations.
The Facebook Marketplace Route
There’s a growing community of private owners offering direct rentals. It’s more work (you’ll need to meet in person, check documents carefully), but I’ve found some gems. Just make sure you’re crystal clear about insurance coverage.
Enterprise’s “Weekend Special”
This one surprised me. Their Décarie location often runs weekend specials that beat Turo prices, especially if you book 2-3 weeks ahead. Just don’t expect to get the exact car you reserved.
When Turo Still Makes Sense
Look, I haven’t completely abandoned Turo. It’s still my go-to for specific situations:
- Last-minute rentals (when Communauto is fully booked, which happens a lot in summer)
- When I need a specific type of car (trying to move an IKEA couch with a Communauto Prius isn’t fun – ask me how I know)
- Special occasions (my sister’s wedding photos looked way better with a Tesla than they would have with my usual rental choices)
Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work
After probably too many rentals, here’s what I’ve learned about saving money on Turo in Montreal:
Book at least 3 weeks ahead. I tracked prices for two months – they average 30% lower with advance booking.
Check pick-up locations carefully. Downtown hosts often charge more, but taking a quick metro ride to Longueuil or Laval can save you $20-30/day.
Look for new hosts. They often set lower prices to build up reviews. Just make sure they have their winter tires sorted if you’re renting during the cold months.
Looking Ahead: Will Prices Come Down?
After talking to hosts and industry folks, I’m not optimistic about seeing 2022 prices again. But there are some promising signs:
- New local competitors are entering the market
- Some traditional rental companies are finally rebuilding their fleets
- More Montrealers are listing their cars (though watch out for inexperienced hosts)
It Depends on How You Use It
Is Turo expensive in Montreal right now? Yes. Is it still worth using? Sometimes. The key is being strategic about when and how you use it.
If you’re visiting Montreal or need a car regularly, mix and match services. Use Communauto for quick trips, check Enterprise for longer rentals, like a trip to Toronto, and save Turo for when you need something specific or last-minute.
And if you’re a host reading this – we get it, costs are up. But maybe we can find a middle ground? My wallet (and many others in Montreal) would appreciate it.
P.S. – If anyone from Turo is reading this, we really miss those 2022 prices. Just saying.
About the author: Between weekly trips to visit family in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and monthly Costco runs to the West Island, I’ve probably spent more time comparing car rental prices than I’d like to admit. This article was last updated November 2024, but prices change frequently – check current rates before making plans.