Breaking News: The True Cost of Living in Quebec’s Regions
As the cost of living in major urban centers like Montreal continues to soar, many Quebecers are considering a move to the regions to improve their quality of life and save money. But is it really more affordable to live outside of the big cities? A comprehensive analysis reveals that while some expenses may decrease, others could surprise you.
Price of Properties: A Significant Advantage
The most compelling argument for moving to the regions is the significantly lower price of houses. In Montreal, the median price of a single-family house exceeds $600,000. In contrast, the regions such as Bas-Saint-Laurent, Abitibi, and Outaouais offer houses between $200,000 and $350,000, sometimes even less. This gap can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings each month, both in terms of mortgage payments and property taxes. However, it’s important to note that prices have increased in some popular regions like the Laurentians and Eastern Cantons since the pandemic, reducing the cost advantage.
Municipal Taxes: Lower, But Variable
Rural municipalities generally impose a lower property tax rate than large cities. However, this rate applies to an often lower municipal assessment. While you may pay less in absolute terms, you will also have access to fewer services such as municipal aqueducts, sewers, and limited snow removal. Be prepared for additional costs that you may not have incurred in the city, such as drilling a well or installing a septic system.
Basic Services: At Your Own Expense
Properties in the regions may not be served by municipal infrastructure, meaning you might have to handle water supply, wastewater treatment, heating, and maintenance of private paths yourself. These costs can be significant at the time of purchase or construction, with drilling a well costing between $8,000 and $15,000 and installing a septic system ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. While not high recurring costs, they must be factored into your overall budget.
Transport: More Kilometers, More Expenses
The lack of reliable public transport in the regions forces many households to own two cars, leading to higher expenses for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and registration fees. According to CAA Québec, the average annual cost for a compact car is around $10,000. With two cars, this becomes a major expense. In contrast, some families in urban centers can manage with one car or none at all.
Food, Internet, and Other Services
Consumer goods can be more expensive in the regions, with smaller, less competitive grocery stores and limited access to specialized brands or products. Essential services like high-speed internet, reliable cell coverage, and specialized daycare centers may also be more limited or expensive. For example, residential internet options like Starlink can exceed $150 per month.
Fewer Expenses Related to Lifestyle
On the other hand, several expenditure stations tend to decrease naturally in the regions. Fewer restaurants, cafes, and paid outings, along with less social pressure to consume, can lead to significant savings. Additionally, opportunities for gardening, picking, self-construction, or direct purchase from producers can generate long-term savings.
Quality of Life and Time: A Difficult Value to Quantify
While life in the regions may not always translate into a clear drop in expenses, many families find that the improved quality of life is worth the cost. Daily life is often less stressful, with more opportunities for spending time outdoors, larger living spaces, and a better environment for family life and telework. These gains are difficult to quantify but have a real impact on well-being and overall satisfaction.
Living in the regions can cost less, but it is not automatic. It depends on your lifestyle, workplace, service needs, and the type of property you choose. To make this choice truly economical, you need to plan, compare complete costs, and avoid replicating the urban model in the countryside. The region can be more affordable, but it is above all a choice of lifestyle. For it to pay off, it must be consistent.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for more breaking news and in-depth analysis on the cost of living in Quebec’s regions.
