Quebec is one of the most popular provinces for Canadians, newcomers, and tourists to visit and even settle. Known for its strong connection to French language and culture, not to mention its spectacular natural scenery and vibrant cities, Quebec is an easy choice for anyone to make.
Located east of Ontario and West of the Maritime provinces, Quebec is the second-largest province in Canada by population and the largest by landmass. And while you can expect the vast majority of the population to be French-speaking, you will likely hear many languages here because of the province’s multicultural make-up.
There are a number towns and cities in Quebec you may want to consider if you are thinking to relocate to Quebec or simply visit if you just want to get a sense of where you might see yourself. Let’s take a closer look at the best places to live in Quebec.
What is the Best Quebec Town or Suburb to Stay In?
Find your Place in Saint Augustin de Desmaures
Saint Augustin De Desmaures is a small community located in central Quebec on the St. Lawrence River. Located within close proximity to Quebec City, Saint Augustin de Desmaures is an ideal place to live for those who prefer a less urban environment.
With its waterfront location and low crime rate, Saint Augustine De Desmaures is a great place to raise a family. The town has access to port and rail lines, and has a burgeoning economy of small businesses where many locals work. Enjoy natural parks like Parc Riverain and Plage de St-Augustin on long summer days.
The cost of living in this town is relatively low compared to most large urban centres across Canada.
Want to go to Quebec? See the ten phrases you should learn.
Unemployment Rate: 2%
Median Income: $117,000
Average House Listing Price: $450,967
Enjoy a Lower Cost of Living in Saint-Constant
Most Canadians will have never heard of the town of Saint-Constant, which is excellent as it is one of Quebec’s best kept secrets for those seeking to maximize their income. Located in Southwest Quebec, Saint-Constant has a population of just 29,000 people.
Notably, a study conducted by MoneySense, described Saint-Constant is one of the best cities for low-income earners and families due to its low cost of living. Residents of the city enjoy easy access to transportation thanks to its train station, and the beauty of riverside living.
In Saint-Constant, you’ll also benefit from having easy access to bustling Montreal, where you can take advantage of employment opportunities and urban life a short commute away.
Find Great Food and History in Chambly
Chambly is an idyllic and historic town known for its agricultural economy and delicious craft breweries. Located along the Chambly basin in the South of Quebec, Chambly is an excellent place to live for those who appreciate culture and seek a high standard of living in a rural area.
Chambly has many historical buildings constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Fort Chambly National Historic Site is a place of interest for all history buffs, and families will love the Ferme Guyon petting zoo and butterfly pavilion.
It is also worth noting that Chambly is one of the wealthiest cities in Quebec, with an average household income of $94,000. With an estimated population of 32,927, you can rest assured knowing you are in a safe and quiet place.
Average Price of a Real Estate Listing: $659,150
Distance to Montreal: 29.1 km
The cost of living in Chambly is 10% less than the national average
Enjoy the View in Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Like Saint-Constant and Chambly, Mont-Saint-Hilaire boasts a location relatively close to Montreal, making it ideal for anyone who has to commute to the city. What makes Mont-Saint-Hilaire unique is the mountain for which it is named: a UNESCO biosphere reserve that looms gloriously over the city.
Living in Mont-Saint-Hilaire is excellent for nature loving families and individuals that want easy access to outdoor spaces. There are wineries, cider houses, and orchards that also add to the splendour of the area.
Residents of this town are relatively wealthy, and the average price of a listing is just over $1 million Canadian dollars.
Stay in Levis
Levis is a suburb of Quebec City, located across the St. Lawrence River and connected by bridge. And while you will have to commute into town, you will also get some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Quebec City.
The city is rich with culture and history, boasting a charming old town, natural landscapes, and exceptional foliage in the autumn months. Residents also enjoy a reliable transit system, parks, and recreational facilities.
Learning French is essential if you choose to live or stay in a Quebec town - make sure you are proficient before making the trip!
Average Price of a Real Estate Listing: $477, 348
Median Household Income: $84,000
Population: $149,683
Enjoy the Montreal Area in Boucherville
The beautiful city of Boucherville is another suburb of Montreal located on the southern shores of the St. Lawrence River. Located just 15 minutes from Montreal, residents can enjoy a relatively easy commute without the crowding and traffic that comes with living in an urban centre.
Boucherville is one of the 10 oldest cities in Montreal, and its old town, Vieux-Boucherville, is considered a heritage site and architectural treasure. Visitors and locals also enjoy a riverside boulevard for walking, cycling, and enjoying a view of the Boucherville islands.
With a population of 42,368 and relatively low property and tax rates, Boucherville may be the answer to all of your small town dreams. Opportunities for work exist in the city’s industrial park, which hosts hundreds of businesses and employs up to 23,000 locals.
Enjoy the Best of City Life in Mont-Royal
Those who want to experience the finest living Montreal has to offer might consider living in Mont-Royal. An affluent suburb in Montreal located in the heart of the city northwest of downtown Montreal, Mont-Royal is a National Historic Site of Canada.
Mont-Royal is known as a garden city that attracts thousands of visitors each year. There are magnificent buildings and architecture, and is divided into an area that is primarily residential and another that is industrial.
The design of the city was influenced by the layout of Washington, DC
Population: 20,953
Average Cost of a Single Family Home: $1,941,400
Live your Best Life in Saint Bruno de Montarville
With 27,000 residents, Saint Bruno De Montarville is a great place for those who prefer a small town setting. Named for Mont Saint Bruno, which is a national park and popular area for skiing, Saint Bruno De Montarville is perfect for anyone with a passion for the great outdoors.
Saint Bruno De Montarville is also one of the safest places in Quebec to live, and has an unemployment rate below 4.9%. The average household income is $118,000, and relatively affordable housing options are available for those seeking a single family home.
Find out how you can learn French in "La Belle Province" - you'll fall in love with beautiful Quebec while becoming multilingual!
What are the Top Large Cities in Quebec?
Get the Best of the Belle Province in Quebec City
Quebec City is famous for being one of the few walled cities in North America. An iconic symbol of French Canada - not to mention one of the oldest cities - Quebec City has a wonderfully preserved old town filled with charming shops, restaurants, and historical attractions.
With a population of 717,000, Quebec City is a thriving metropolis. 95% of the city is French speaking, so be ready to use all of your French language skills. French proficiency is essential.
What many do not realize is that Quebec City is also bustling, modern metropolis beyond the old city walls. The local economy is booming, and as the seat of provincial government you will find a good range of opportunities for work in the private and public sector.
Living in Quebec City has its benefits: great food, liveability, culture, and so much more!
Live in Multilingual Montreal
The largest city in Quebec, Montreal is a great place for those that want easy access to good food, transit, employment options, culture and entertainment. Multicultural and multilingual, Montreal is a place you will hear many languages beyond French and English.
With a spectacular old town known for its festivals and classic French architecture, vibrant arts scene, and world-class shopping, Montreal is the perfect place for anyone that wants to be in the heart of the action. There are also fabulous family neighbourhoods where you will see young children running in parks.
Compared to other cities in Canada like Toronto and Vancouver, Montreal has a relatively lower cost of living and housing. Of course, you will find affluent neighbourhoods with multi-million dollar homes, but with a variety of single-family, condo, and townhouse dwellings, you will find your place.
Average House Price - $590,000
Population - 1.78 million
Montreal is a UNESCO City of Design
What Should I Consider Before Moving to Quebec?
Even when you figure out which Quebec city or town is best for you, you might still have some doubts about moving. There are a number of questions you may want to consider when making your move.
- Is your French language proficiency advanced enough to work and live in Quebec?
- What can you afford in terms of a rent or mortage?
- Are you willing, if needed, to live far from your network of friends and family?
- What employment options do you have in the location you want to move to?
Quebec is surely one of the most wonderful places to live in Canada, if not the world. However, any move takes major research and a willingness to take financial risks.
Summing it Up
Canada is known for its safety and high standard of living, but the costs can be high especially in provinces like British Columbia or Ontario. Quebec may be the perfect place for you if you want to maximize your earnings while enjoying all the benefits French Canada has to offer.
Many Quebec towns and cities can offer exactly what you are looking for and more in your lifestyle. The towns and suburbs of Quebec offer peace, nature, culture, history, and established communities at a much lower cost than other Canadian cities.
Cities like Montreal and Quebec City deliver a powerful punch of urban life and European style. While costs may vary, you are sure to find a neighbourhood that suits your desires.
Now, it’s time to make an important decision. Where do you want to live in Quebec?
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