Factoring in the cost of living in Québec is important. That’s if you are looking for a means to move to Québec City, Canada. Why? because life here will be different from what you’re used to in your country.
Everything, especially your finances will have to take a turn. As a result, your standard of living needs to match up so you can effectively manage the entire cost of living in Québec.
To begin, find out about the cost of securing an apartment. Also, consider your daily expenses and annual average wages before moving to Québec.
Are you confused about whether you can correctly guess these expenses? Well, you’re here. That’s a great start!
What is the Cost of Living in Québec?
Living in Québec can cost less when compared to other major urban centers in North America. Nevertheless, you should be ready to set aside a significant amount of money to facilitate your relocation and staying expenses.
That being said, let’s look at the top basic things you will be spending on and the amount each requires.
1. Electricity
The cost of electricity in Québec is considered low, especially when compared to other Canadian provinces. Due to this factor, you will need to pay an average of $0.073 per kWh of electricity. That’s about one-half of what the US residents pay, from all indications.
More precisely, the main source of electricity in Québec is a renewable energy source; the hydroelectric dams.
2. Restaurants
Ideally, your spending habits and the restaurant’s category determine the total amount of money you will spend.
While you can pay around $12 for a midrange restaurant, a luxury restaurant will have you spend up to $50 for each meal.
3. Monthly Utilities
Utility costs are often merged with the rental cost of a house. Utility bills are affordable as they rarely exceed $100. This is different from what residents of other Canadian provinces experience.
The cost of internet access may seem quite expensive. Notwithstanding, it’s nothing compared to other major provinces and cities.
Related: What is the Cost of Living in Denver?
4. Market
Québecois earn relatively low salaries. Despite this, food prices are still the same as that of other bigger cities in Canada.
In recent times, however, many people are agreeing that there should be a reduction in the cost of food. That’s because residents of other provinces seem to earn much higher salaries.
The increase in the cost of food items is a major reason why a lot of people spend more than 40% of their salaries every month.
The table below shows a round-up of some food items and their prices at the market per 1kg:
| Food Item | Cost |
| Bananas | 2.03C$ |
| Tomatoes | 4.45C$ |
| Apples | 4.28C$ |
| Onions | 2.51C$ |
| Potatoes | 4.65C$ |
| Oranges | 4.22C$ |
5. Education
Students in preschool to high school levels of education do not have to pay school fees in Québec. That is to say that education is entirely free to them, as long as they remain in the public schools.
As soon as a child gets to age 18, education stops being free. During this age, they are already getting set to leave for the university.
At the university level, students will need to pay their tuition fees and other expenses that come with it. Some of these fees include:
- Registration fees
- Student association fees
- IT charges
- Athletic fees, etc.
6. Transportation
Transportation comes first when thinking of the general cost of living in a country like Québec. You will need to think about transportation if you have to commute to your workplace daily.
Like the majority of Québecois, you can choose to drive to work or take the public transport system which could be a better option, at least for the first few months of your stay in Québec.
There are up to six routes where buses ply in old Québec. Usually, these buses stop at the Museum of Civilization, the Citadel, or any other attraction site in the neighborhood. A one-ride ticket can cost $2.40 or $2.75, if you’re paying in cash.
7. Monthly Apartment Rent
Having to foot the apartment rent is one of the biggest concerns of anyone moving to a new location. Helpfully, monthly housing costs in Québec are affordable, especially if you’re nowhere near the city center.
According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in the center would cost 851.47C$ per month. However, if the apartment is outside the city center, the rent would be lower at 668.75C$.
8. Sports & Leisure
If you are a sports lover, you probably know that sports equipment and gear can be quite expensive.
This also applies to the gym. To get a gym membership, you might have to go over your budget.
Entertainment and leisure activities, on the other hand, costs around 26C$ daily, per person. This amount is low, considering that it covers the entrance tickets to the museum, day tours, attractions, etc.
For movies, you can get a movie ticket less than $10 to enjoy yourself at the cinema.
9. Clothing and Shoes
The level of your income and your lifestyle determines to a large extent, the amount you will spend on clothes and shoes.
For example, if you love popular designers, you will likely spend higher than you initially bargained for. Similarly, someone else who pays less attention to popular clothing brands will not have to spend so much.
So, while one pair of Levi 501 jeans can cost about 66.93C$, a Zara summer dress will be priced at 42.78C$.
Generally, when it comes to apparel, Québec isn’t as expensive as other cities.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the cost of living anywhere in the world varies. It also depends on the environment and economic situation of the place you find yourself in.
In Québec city, house rents are boasted to be cheap, but you should also note that this is because monthly salaries are quite low.
If you think Québec is the ideal city to move to, you must consider your finances. This is to make sure that your daily/monthly earnings can afford you a decent living. Consider the basic things to spend on. If at the end of the day you can conveniently foot your bills, then you can go ahead and relocate.
