Are you looking for a great place to call home in Quebec? Maybe you’re considering taking the plunge and moving up north or perhaps you’ve already found your new dream city. In any case, it is important to consider one of the most crucial aspects of any move: cost of living. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable cities in Quebec that can provide exactly what you need without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best and cheapest places to live in Quebec.

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Key Highlights

• Quebec has a lot of options when it comes to cheaper housing options, without leaving the city.
• While one of the more expensive places to live in Quebec, the city of Montreal is home to many neighbourhoods that won’t break the bank.
•  When trying to determine affordability for each city, it is important to note that average Canadian property taxes range from 0.5% to 2.5%.

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5 Cheapest Places To Live In Quebec: Housing Affordability, Rent Affordability And Job Growth

Here are the top 5 cities in Quebec for housing affordability, rent affordability, and job growth. When trying to determine affordability for each city, it is important to note that average Canadian property taxes range from 0.5% to 2.5%.

1. Sherbrooke

Sherbrooke is known to be a vibrant student town with a low cost of living and highly accessible location. It’s pretty easy to be charmed by Sherbrooke. With around 170,000 residents and enough of a big city feel to it so that you’ll never be bored, Sherbrooke is an excellent place to live as a student or young professional.

Average home price: $320,000

Property tax rate: 1.08% 

Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (excluding rent): $788

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in the City: $613

2. Lévis

Levis is located across the St Lawrence River from Quebec City. The city was officially founded in 1861 and has since become one of Quebec’s largest cities, with over 150,000 inhabitants. It is also next door to one of the province’s top universities, University of Laval.

Levis boasts a diverse economy, with several industries operating in the city. These include manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Major employers in Levis include Desjardins Group, which has its headquarters in the city, and Ultramar, which operates an oil refinery.

Average home price: $329,700

Property tax rate: 0.89%

Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (excluding rent):

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in the City:

3. Rouyn-Noranda

Home to more than 40,000 people, Rouyn-Noranda is one of the larger Quebec towns to border Ontario. 95% of the residents are French-speaking, making it one of the most unilingual cities out there. If you’re planning on settling in Rouyn-Noranda, you’ll have to brush up on your French. The city is renowned for its copper mining industry.

Average home price: $255,000

Property tax rate: 0.9%

4. Saguenay

Saguenay is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, a world-renowned national park, and very affordable cost of living. It’s a perfect city to settle down if you’re a young professional because there are enough people (some 150,000 of them) for the city to have a pulse but is far enough away from the hustle and bustle to be quaint and quiet.

Average home price: $237,324

Property tax rate: 1.63%

Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (excluding rent): $756

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in the City: $664

5. Trois-Rivières

Home to over 140,000 people, Trois-Rivières is a young and vibrant community with a thriving arts and culture scene. Plus, it’s only around 2 hours away from both Montreal and Quebec City. 

Average home price: $279,500

Property tax rate: 1.26%

Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person (excluding rent): $670

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom in the City: $560

5 Best Montreal Neighborhoods For Housing Affordability, Rent Affordability And Job Growth

1. Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Located in the east end of the city, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a vibrant neighbourhood and a popular choice for students, young professionals and families who are looking for an urban lifestyle that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Despite its reputation as a budget-friendly area, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is far from lacking in amenities, with a thriving commercial district, a variety of schools, parks, community centres and cultural institutions. Whether you’re seeking a cozy apartment, a spacious family home or a trendy loft, there are plenty of options to choose from in this rapidly-evolving neighbourhood.

Average home price: $620,125

Property tax rate: 5.7%

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom: $1,236

2. Côte-des-Neiges

Nestled in the heart of Montreal, the Cote-des-Neiges neighbourhood offers an affordable living experience without sacrificing the conveniences of city life. Its central location also provides easy access to public transit, making it an ideal location for students and young professionals. With affordable rental options and an eclectic atmosphere, Cote-des-Neiges is a hidden gem for those seeking a vibrant community in the heart of Montreal.

Average home price: $528,083

Property tax rate: 5.4%

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom: $1,378

3. Ahuntsic-Cartierville

This residential neighbourhood is located in the northern part of the city and offers a variety of housing options, from duplexes to modern condos. With various parks, community centers, and shopping districts, there is no shortage of things to do in the area. Plus, the neighbourhood is well-connected to the rest of the city with convenient public transportation options.

Average home price: $772,000

Property tax rate: 4.2%

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom: $1,753

4. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG)

Notre-Dame-de-Grace, commonly known as NDG, is a neighbourhood in Montreal situated in the western part of Montreal. NDG is known for its charming residential streets, parks, and eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The area is often referred to as a hidden gem, as it is relatively unknown to many visitors to the city. Affordable housing options, coupled with a high quality of life, make NDG an excellent choice for those looking to settle down and establish roots in Montreal.

Average home price: 

Property tax rate: 5.4%

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom: $1,382

5. Villeray-Parc-Extension

Nestled between Little Italy and Park Extension, Villeray-Parc Extension is an affordable option for those looking to immerse themselves in a multicultural and friendly environment. With an abundance of parks, restaurants and local shops, this neighbourhood is perfect for anyone looking for a balance of city living and quaint charm.

Average home price: $587,447

Property tax rate: 4.5%

Average Monthly Cost of 1-Bedroom: $1,404

Final Thoughts

When exploring the cheapest places to live in Quebec, you are sure to find an expansive, diverse range of metropolitan areas in this province with varied costs of living. Shop around, do your research and if you’re considering taking the plunge with any of these cities, get in touch with one of our mortgage experts today. They can answer questions, offer more clarity on expenses and even provide potential financing plans that can make any relocation to Quebec a viable investment opportunity. To put it simply: take away that dreaded sticker shock of higher-priced areas; if the numbers align correctly in your favor – Quebec could be just the spot you’ve been searching for!

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