Quebec City, Canada
A charming historic walled city with European flair, the lowest cost of living among major Canadian cities, and world-famous winter carnival.
Overview
Quebec City is a city in Quebec 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. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4a growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs Canada Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Quebec City vs Canada Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 14.0%
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4a
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).
| Category | Quebec City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 87.2 | 100 | -12.8% |
| Housing | 79.6 | 100 | -20.4% |
Data source: Statistics Canada, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | C$340,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | C$1050/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | C$1,313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | C$226 |
Data source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Quebec City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | C$165 | |
| Heating & Cooling | C$116 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | C$55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | C$65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | C$35 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | C$436 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Remote Work Score
Quebec City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Quebec City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F | 3°F | 2.5" |
| April | 61°F | 18°F | 2.8" |
| July | 76°F | 51°F | 1.5" |
| October | 56°F | 21°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Quebec City faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Western Canada has frequent wildfire seasons.
Rockies and coastal mountains with frequent avalanches.
River flooding.
Pacific coast with tsunami risk.
Southern Canada experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 14%
- Sales Tax: 14.975%
- Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Quebec City per 100,000 residents:
Data is the Crime Severity Index (CSI) for the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). CSI is indexed to 100 (Canada = 100 in 2006). Higher values indicate more severe crime. This is not a direct crime rate per 100,000.
Data source: Statistics Canada
Schools & Education
Data source: Fraser Institute — School Performance Rankings
Demographics
The population of Quebec City is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Statistics Canada Census 2021 (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. 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, Canada?
The cost of living index in Quebec City is 87.2, which is Lower the Canada national average of 100.
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.
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 income tax?
Quebec City is in QC, which has an income 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
- Cost of Living: Statistics Canada, 2026
- Housing Data: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities Statistics Canada, Canada Energy Regulator, CRTC
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.