Quebec City, QC — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]
COL: 87.2 549,459

Quebec City, QC

A charming historic walled city with European flair, the lowest cost of living among major Canadian cities, and world-famous winter carnival.

Updated June 30, 2026
Cost of Living 87.2

Below Average vs Canada avg (100)

Housing Index 79.6

Affordable

Median Income C$54,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.2%

Job market health

Quebec City vs Canada Average

Overall COL
Quebec City: 87.2
Canada Avg: 100
Housing
Quebec City: 79.6
Canada Avg: 100
Provincial Tax
Quebec City: 14%

Taxes

  • Provincial Tax: 14%
  • Sales Tax: 14.975%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: C$54,000
  • Unemployment: 4.2%
  • Population: 549,459

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 192/year
  • Summer High: 76°F
  • Winter Low: 3°F

Housing

  • Median Home: C$340,000
  • 1BR Rent: C$1050/mo

Cost of Living

Quebec City's cost of living index is 87.2 (Canada average = 100).

CategoryQuebec CityNational AverageDifference
Overall87.2100-12.8%
Housing79.6100-20.4%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceC$340,000
Median Rent (1BR)C$1050/mo
Median Rent (2BR)C$1,313/mo
Price per Sq FtC$226

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

C$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
C$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Quebec City:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityC$130Based on ~900 kWh/month usage
WaterC$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)C$55Broadband average
Garbage / TrashC$28Private service
Total UtilitiesC$258Monthly estimate

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow, municipal service directories

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Quebec City

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: C$1,260/mo.

Quebec City Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: C$1,155/mo.

East Quebec City

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: C$945/mo.

West Quebec City

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: C$998/mo.

Remote Work Score

Quebec City scores 126/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Low (Good)
  • Climate: 192 sunny days/year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: High (Good)

Climate

Quebec City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January23°F3°F2.5"
April61°F18°F2.8"
July76°F51°F1.5"
October56°F21°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Provincial Tax: 14%
  • Sales Tax: 14.975%
  • Property Tax: ~0.88% of assessed value

Economy

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Overview

Quebec City is a city in QC with a population of 549,459. A charming historic walled city with European flair, the lowest cost of living among major Canadian cities, and world-famous winter carnival.

FAQ

Is quebec-city-ca a good place to live?

quebec-city-ca offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.

What is the cost of living in quebec-city-ca?

The cost of living in quebec-city-ca varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in quebec-city-ca?

Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in quebec-city-ca to maintain your current standard of living.

Data Sources

  • Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
  • Housing data: Zillow Research
  • Demographics: US Census Bureau
  • Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Taxes: Tax Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Quebec City, QC?

The cost of living index in Quebec City is 87.2, which is below the Canada national average of 100. Residents enjoy lower costs for everyday expenses compared to the national average.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Quebec City?

The median home price in Quebec City is C$340,000. The housing index is 79.6, which is below the national average.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quebec City is approximately C$1050/mo.

Does Quebec City, QC have provincial income tax?

Quebec City is in QC, which has a provincial tax rate of 14%.

What is the climate like in Quebec City?

Quebec City enjoys approximately 192 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 76°F, while winter lows can drop to around 3°F.

Data Sources

All data on this page is sourced from publicly available datasets and updated regularly. Data sources include:

  • Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
  • Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
  • Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Climate: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Data last updated: June 30, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.