Cost of Living in Quebec City
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Quebec City helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Quebec City is around $700 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $850 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Quebec City is around $150,000. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average price is around $200,000. |
Transportation | The public transportation system in Quebec City is very efficient and affordable. A monthly pass costs around $60. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Quebec City is relatively low. A week's worth of groceries for a family of four can cost around $100. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Quebec City is relatively low. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $50. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Quebec City is relatively low. The average monthly cost for utilities for a two-bedroom apartment is around $100. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Quebec City varies depending on the school. The average tuition for preschool is around $2,000 per year. The average tuition for elementary school is around $4,000 per year. The average tuition for middle school is around $6,000 per year. The average tuition for high school is around $8,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Quebec City
"The cost of living in Quebec City is generally considered to be relatively affordable. Groceries, transportation and entertainment are generally considered to be lower than the Canadian average, while housing costs are slightly higher," said one expat living in Quebec City.
"The cost of living in Quebec City is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other major cities in Canada. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but are generally lower than in other major cities. Eating out can also be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering good value for money," wrote a member in Quebec City.
Can I live in Quebec City on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Quebec City as an expat for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Limoilou, Vanier, or Saint-Sauveur. These areas are more affordable than neighborhoods like Montcalm, Sillery, or Old Quebec, which can be quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation is pretty good here, and a monthly pass costs around $90. If you can, try to find a place close to your work or near a bus or metro line to save on commuting costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend avoiding it if possible.When it comes to groceries, you'll need to be smart about where you shop. I usually go to stores like Super C, Maxi, or Walmart for the best prices. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. There are also some great local markets, like the Marché du Vieux-Port, where you can find fresh produce at reasonable prices.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Quebec City. You can enjoy the beautiful parks, like the Plains of Abraham or Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, or explore the historic Old Quebec area. There are also many festivals throughout the year, like the Winter Carnival and the Summer Festival, which offer free or affordable events.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or cable TV. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and entertained without spending a lot of money. Overall, living in Quebec City on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle," commented an expat living in Quebec City.
Can I live in Quebec City on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Quebec City for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of your housing and lifestyle choices. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in the most expensive neighborhoods, like Old Quebec or Montcalm. Instead, you should consider looking for a place in more affordable neighborhoods, such as Limoilou, Saint-Sauveur, or Vanier. These areas still have a good quality of life and are close to public transportation, shops, and restaurants.In terms of housing, you can expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in these more affordable neighborhoods. If you're willing to share an apartment with roommates, you can save even more on rent. Utilities and internet will likely cost you around $100 to $200 per month, depending on your usage.Groceries can be quite affordable in Quebec City, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Super C or Maxi. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, but there are still plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore the city's diverse food scene.Public transportation is quite affordable in Quebec City, with a monthly pass costing around $90. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and parking, which can add up quickly. However, many people find that they don't need a car in Quebec City, as the public transportation system is quite efficient and the city is very walkable.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of free or low-cost options available. For example, you can enjoy the city's many parks, museums, and festivals without spending a fortune. If you're into fitness, there are affordable gym memberships available, or you can take advantage of the city's many outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Quebec City is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Quebec City.
Can I live in Quebec City on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Quebec City as an expat for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices depending on your lifestyle and preferences, but overall, it's quite manageable.First, let's talk about housing. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend checking out Limoilou, Vanier, or Saint-Sauveur. These areas have a good mix of apartments and houses, and you can find a decent place to live for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Montcalm, Sillery, or Old Quebec, as these tend to be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, Quebec City has a decent public transit system, and a monthly pass will cost you around $90. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up, so you might want to budget around $200 to $300 a month for that.For groceries and dining out, I'd say you can expect to spend around $500 to $700 a month, depending on your preferences. There are plenty of affordable grocery stores and restaurants in the city, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding options that fit your budget.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's a lot to do in Quebec City without breaking the bank. You can visit museums, parks, and historical sites for free or at a low cost, and there are plenty of affordable bars and cafes to hang out in. If you're into sports or fitness, a gym membership will cost you around $50 a month, and there are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing nearby.Overall, I'd say that living in Quebec City on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and transportation. If you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood and use public transit, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without too much trouble," commented an expat living in Quebec City.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.